Adding chicks to flock

[vigirlstef]

Hello!

At what age is it typically okay to add new chicks to an existing flock? We got our first ladies last spring and have now purchased 6 more. They are currently 7 days old. I know that it will be another 6-7 weeks before they go outside, but at what age/size do you add your girls with the ladies?

Thanks!

 

[crazyfeathers]

8 weeks is the best age, I plan on putting a divider for a few days so they can see each other and then let them meet. I already added some branches so the babies can hid or get a break if needed, I may even remove the rooster for a bit since he can at times be a bully. Mine will be ready for the big move next week. Good luck.

 

[vigirlstef]

Ok, I was thinking they needed to be older... glad that is not the case! I am also planning on putting them in the run (inside a cage) during the day starting at about 6-7 weeks so they can see each other and get familiar before being left together. Sound like a good plan?

 

[crazyfeathers]

That is what I plan on doing, I also seen some utube videos where the chicks were added to the flock at night, that's another possibility. I haven't ever had issues integrating chickens so hopefully things will go smoothly this time too.

 

[pasofinofarm]

Actually adding them as juvies is much less stressful to everyone then trying to blend new adults. A few things we've found helpful are:

1. Put the new additions in a small circle of fence wire within the pen for a couple of days to ease transition.
2. In flocks with large/heavy roos be sure to protect young pullets from being injured as they near breeding age. I use the same fence circle to keep roos off.
3. Put everyone on grower rations as layer is not good for the juvies and provide a separate source of calcium for the layers.