Hello!
I've read many threads in introducing new chicks to the flock. In the end we are ready to get these little ones out of the brooder in our mud room and into the coop/run. The 10 chicks are just four weeks old and the existing flock contains four hens and one rooster.
I began bringing the littlest to range outside the existing run 2 weeks ago. They've all seen and pecked at each other from between the wire.
Today I just put them all in the coop with the girls and after about 30 minutes added the rooster. The little one s stick together and have places to hide. A couple pecks here and there from the older birds but otherwise nobody seems to mind... They've been together for several hours now.
I guess I'm looking to find out if anyone has introduced their chicks so young (without a broody mama) and been fine with it. I'm ready to say goodbye to the brooder...
Thanks, meg
I've read many threads in introducing new chicks to the flock. In the end we are ready to get these little ones out of the brooder in our mud room and into the coop/run. The 10 chicks are just four weeks old and the existing flock contains four hens and one rooster.
I began bringing the littlest to range outside the existing run 2 weeks ago. They've all seen and pecked at each other from between the wire.
Today I just put them all in the coop with the girls and after about 30 minutes added the rooster. The little one s stick together and have places to hide. A couple pecks here and there from the older birds but otherwise nobody seems to mind... They've been together for several hours now.
I guess I'm looking to find out if anyone has introduced their chicks so young (without a broody mama) and been fine with it. I'm ready to say goodbye to the brooder...
Thanks, meg