I got 3 Bantam Sebrights that are the same age as my flock but obviously 1/4 the size. Should I try and stick them in there at night and see what happens? I also have the option for keeping them confined for a couple weeks then stick them in the grow out pen solo and add some new chicks in a couple months or so, setting Tuesday. I would think adding them to my current 4 months old crew would be best, Thanks
I wouldn't just stick them out there overnight unless you plan on being out there at first light to intervene if needed. Do your chickens free range? I think that's one of the best ways to allow new birds to mix and become accustomed to one another. Or wire off a section of your run and put a little shelter out there for them so they can get so know one another through the safety of a barrier first...
I am about to do the same thing. My banties are going out in the coop tomorrow. I am going to do the same thing I have done with everyone else. They will go out in a dog cage for the first few days. When I let them out I watch close to make sure no one gets picked on. So far everyone has done good. I have introduced new chicks to my older chicks several times now. They free range so usually the big chicks would rather be outside. There is some "I'm the boss" when I feed. But so far no one has really gotten picked on. But I free range and my coop is fairly big. When I lock them in the first night I watch. As long as they all bed down quickly and the new chicks are comfortable then I leave them out for the night. If the new chicks seem uncomfortable I would lock them in the cage at night. I have not had to do that yet though. They usually go their own ways. Each group kind sticks together. Make sure to put out a couple feeders and waterers.
I'm not very thoughtful about my introductions. I got 4 new chickens today. One being a new brown red ameraucana bantam pullet and I just threw her in there no problem. the only one I had problems with were the LF free rangers. I would put them in at night in a wired off section let them be in there for a night or two and then gradually let them out. because of the size difference.
