Adding chicks to my existing flock, is it too early?!?

[#lovemychickens]

I currently have three, 3 year old hens mixed with ten- 11 week pullets. I have a second group of chicks that are five weeks and the remaining are three weeks old. Tomorrow our temps are supposed to be in the 90’s and the humidity levels are going to become almost tropic for the next week. Is it safe to put them in the same run but separated by cattle fencing that has chicken wire about 1 1/2 feet high from the ground up, so they can’t get out? I’m concerned the others will fly in to their area or one of the Littles could accidentally fly out. We have a run that is secure and nothing can get in.. I’m just a bit worried about leaving them in the coop during this crazy heat with little air movement and I’m concerned about having them in the same area as the others. I will take any advice I can get!

 

[Starburst]

Do you have some scrap wire you could put over the top so that the chicks can't fly out and the hens can't fly in? Chickens do have problems with heat, so it's a could idea to provide shade and cool water.

 

[#lovemychickens]

Do you have some scrap wire you could put over the top so that the chicks can't fly out and the hens can't fly in? Chickens do have problems with heat, so it's a could idea to provide shade and cool water.

We don’t have any additional wire at the moment. I was completely unprepared for this. I wonder if I could take a few old sheets and somehow rig them to stay up?? Not sure if that’s a good idea or not. It’s about a 8x12 area blocked off for them and the other chickens have the rest of the run.

 

[Starburst]

Sheets will probably help with shade and not be like a tarp, blocking all airflow. I think that's a good idea. Just maybe try hanging the sheets so that the chicks get plenty of fresh air.

 

[#lovemychickens]

Sheets will probably help with shade and not be like a tarp, blocking all airflow. I think that's a good idea. Just maybe try hanging the sheets so that the chicks get plenty of fresh air.

The sides are all open. We cornered off a section in our covered run. The cattle fencing only goes 4 feet high though. So the top would have sheets over just to deter them from trying to fly out and the others from trying to fly in.. I wish I didn’t have to commute to work and be gone for 12 hours a day. It makes it so challenging!

 

[#lovemychickens]

I’ll have to take a picture of the setup tomorrow morning to show you what it looks like!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Where in the world are you and how high are the temps expected to be?

 

[#lovemychickens]

Where in the world are you and how high are the temps expected to be?

We are in Mn. I’m hoping the weather forecast is wrong! Tonight on the news they said tomorrow’s temps are going to be low 90’s and the hot humid air is going to be coming in with the heat.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Well, if it helps... our fences are 4' high and our birds don't usually fly over. Our "littles" are now about 18 weeks old or so (I lose track) and lately one of them has figured out that she actually can fly over, but she is the only one. Also, we have had a few days of 90+ heat and high humidity and everyone has been just fine. As long as they have plenty of water, preferably in the shade, they should be okay. Remember, feathers insulate from heat as well as cold. Good luck!

 

[Starburst]

Well, if it helps... our fences are 4' high and our birds don't usually fly over. Our "littles" are now about 18 weeks old or so (I lose track) and lately one of them has figured out that she actually can fly over, but she is the only one. Also, we have had a few days of 90+ heat and high humidity and everyone has been just fine. As long as they have plenty of water, preferably in the shade, they should be okay. Remember, feathers insulate from heat as well as cold. Good luck!

I wish my chickens were like yours! All of mine fly over their 8' fence, and then they can't get back in, so I have to leave the gate open for them all day. I'm planning to get bird netting over their run soon, so that should help.