Introducing new chicks

[BakersBluffFarm]

This is the solution i came up with yesterday to introduce some new chicks to my flock. Works pretty well and none of the birds have tried flying into the pen.



Meat birds will be staying in there until they're ready to eat, but how long should I keep the new layers, about a week? I'll will be feeding them next to each other so they get used to eating together.

Here's some glamour shots of the stinkers:

 

[rosemarythyme]

Try a week, see how your flock reacts, and go from there. Ideally you want the adults to be mostly disinterested in the younger birds.

 

[3KillerBs]

I usually open the chick doors after roughly a week of see-don't-touch.

I will say that my flock is pretty laid back and that since I hatch often they're used to having youngsters moving in regularly.

 

[aart]

Looks OK, except for the part of the top that doesn't have mesh over it.

 

[BakersBluffFarm]

Looks OK, except for the part of the top that doesn't have mesh over it.

So far i haven't had any issues with the older hens flying in there, but I'm gonna be adding in a small movable piece to cover the gap so i can still give them water and food

 

[rosemarythyme]

So far i haven't had any issues with the older hens flying in there,

The little ones can possibly fly/jump over it though. I've only had it happen once, and no harm done (I kept checking up on them as I'm aware it's a possibility), the chick was just mildly upset.

 

[3KillerBs]

The little ones can possibly fly/jump over it though. I've only had it happen once, and no harm done (I kept checking up on them as I'm aware it's a possibility), the chick was just mildly upset.

I had a batch last spring who were amazing escape artists. I actually found them up on the main roost with the adults when they were only 3 days into the integration process.

I've heard of serious integration problems, but I've been really fortunate with mine.

 

[BakersBluffFarm]

I had a batch last spring who were amazing escape artists. I actually found them up on the main roost with the adults when they were only 3 days into the integration process.

I've heard of serious integration problems, but I've been really fortunate with mine.

Yesterday I found one of the chicks outside the coop, even after putting up more chicken wire. She was sitting outside crying in the snow trying to figure out how to get back inside. Really glad I found her soon enough!

 

[3KillerBs]

Yesterday I found one of the chicks outside the coop, even after putting up more chicken wire. She was sitting outside crying in the snow trying to figure out how to get back inside. Really glad I found her soon enough!

Poor baby!