Adding 2 new chicks - Need advice quick!

[heybarb]

We have 8 chicks - all are 9 weeks old. We picked up 6 at TSC and then added 2 from a friend. My friend called this week and said she still had some little pullets from the same hatch as our little 2 and wondered if we wanted to add a few more to our flock. Our 8 have been together the whole time - how difficult is it to add 2 more pullets - same size, age and breed as the 2 littlest in our flock? The 2 new ones are OEGB/Silkie mixes...if that matters.

We picked them up this afternoon, waited until dark then put the 2 new ones in the coop with the others. I am hoping this is the right thing to do??

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

They might fight for a bit to establish pecking order, since they are nine weeks. But I don't see the problem, I've done it before and they get along after a couple pecks. They are both the same age, that's a good thing.

 

[Kevin565]

They might fight for a bit to establish pecking order, since they are nine weeks. But I don't see the problem, I've done it before and they get along after a couple pecks. They are both the same age, that's a good thing.

 

[heybarb]

So my next question is...what time should I open the coop door in the morning? I usually open it around 8:30 or so, but I am thinking it might be smart to open it earlier...so the new ones can hide if they want to. What do you think?

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

Well chickens will wake up considering the light of the coop, my chickens that can see the light first, wake up first.. at 4:00am and the others; 5:00am. But opening them early could do them good, just make sure it's not so dark predators could still be out. At night, chickens are the most "mean", they'll push around to find a good spot on the roost. Make sure there is enough space for everyone!

 

[heybarb]

I just checked on them and there are 8 chicks on one roost and 2 on the other roost with plenty of space between them all. The 2 new chicks are next to each other between our two bantam Cochins.

Thanks for all the comments & suggestions! I think I'll ask my husband to open the coop door when he gets up in the morning - usually between 5:30 am and 6 am - just to be on the safe side!

 

[woofwoofchick]

I had my 6 original chicks for 2 weeks, then added two more slightly older chicks and they're all getting along like they've been together since day one.
This week, I bought two black Silkies at auction which I was hoping to get... I love love love them... but not sure about putting them in with the chicks who are now 4 weeks and 4 days old.
I don't have any of them outside yet... they're in the basement inside baby gates. Should I wait til the chicks are alot bigger to put them together with the Silkies?

 

[HSCMorgans]

Two days ago I added a SLW to the flock of chicks, GLW, BR, all about the same age. So far they have been rather mean. They will chase him, and peck him if they get the chance. Its been two days and no better. He stays away from them all, hides. He seems relieved when I walk in the coop because thats the only time he gets to come out an eat and drink. Follows me like a dog! What should I do?? Need some advise! Will they adjust, how long should I expect them to continue to be mean to him? Hes shown submissive behaivior to those that will let him but most don't even give him a chance and chase him and peck if they catch him.

Thanks in advanced for your help!!

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

Are they pullets/hens chasing him? Or roosters with them? My hens do that to the youngest one, the'll chase her, but since she has enough space to run about, she's safe. She does follow me like a dog, just like yours. So I keep her in a separate cage during the night in their coop, so they don't attack her if she tries to roost. If blood is being drawn, take him away and place him in a different cage. Chasing could stress him out, if he doesn't have lots of places to get away. Good luck!

Two days ago I added a SLW to the flock of chicks, GLW, BR, all about the same age. So far they have been rather mean. They will chase him, and peck him if they get the chance. Its been two days and no better. He stays away from them all, hides. He seems relieved when I walk in the coop because thats the only time he gets to come out an eat and drink. Follows me like a dog! What should I do?? Need some advise! Will they adjust, how long should I expect them to continue to be mean to him? Hes shown submissive behaivior to those that will let him but most don't even give him a chance and chase him and peck if they catch him.

Thanks in advanced for your help!!

Putting them together when they're young is better than being older. The Silkies could be a bit more dominant since they are older (when the chickens meet each other) But if the chicks are 2 weeks old, I wouldn't introduce them to the older ones yet, just when they start getting that "ugly chick feathering" which would be at about 5-6 weeks. Good luck to you too!

I had my 6 original chicks for 2 weeks, then added two more slightly older chicks and they're all getting along like they've been together since day one.
This week, I bought two black Silkies at auction which I was hoping to get... I love love love them... but not sure about putting them in with the chicks who are now 4 weeks and 4 days old.
I don't have any of them outside yet... they're in the basement inside baby gates. Should I wait til the chicks are alot bigger to put them together with the Silkies?

ADDED: I have done this before many times, and it has worked, if you have a different method, that could be used also.

 

[heybarb]

The 2 new ones look fine this morning, although they are not "hanging out" with the others, they are always within sight. I brought a little snack out and they all came running - the new ones last, but they did come! I also find it funny that this morning, one of my original OEGB/Silkie chicks decided that today was HIS day to crow! It was the funniest thing I've seen. Up until this point only one pullet was his size - the other 6 are much bigger (Cochin, White Leghorn, & Tetra Tint) - but now he's got a couple more girls his size, so he made the big decision to give it a try!! I almost laughed out loud, except it would have scared the new chicks away!! I will try hard to get it on video!!

As for the other folks' questions, I'm sorry but I am brand new to this and don't have any suggestions...good luck!