Adding 25 newly feathered chics to 10 adult hens

[dandmflock]

Well we have 10 adult hens an decided to get 25 chics. What will be the best way to introduce them?? The 10 are 2 buff orpington, 3 sexlinks, 1 bard rock, an 4 wyandottes. The younger ones are 8 buff, 5 wyandottes, 5 sussex, 2 amercanas, 4 rhonde island, an 1 bard rock. Thanks for an suggestions

 

[Fred's Hens]

There are stickies here which give tutorials on this subject. or just type "introduce" or "integrate" into the specialize BYC google bar just above to the right. You'll get hours of good reading.

But, in short? You've got two different flocks, each pecking order arranged tightly according to age. Your chicks would likely get beat to a pulp if introductions are not done when the little ones can better deal with the attacks. I'd rear them side by side with a chicken wire, see through divider between them until the little ones better match the size of the older hens.

 

[dandmflock]

Thanks that is a good idea. We will have to buid a run next door. Do you think they would roost at night together ok in the hen house??

 

[babyrnlc]

This is how we did it, but it doesnt usually go this smoothly

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=483102