Adding chicks

[whispurr]

I have a couple of questions. First the easy one. My coop has a linoleum floor for easy clean up. The poop board does as well. What kind of bedding should I use, how much of it, how do I clean it?

Second: I have a "flock" of one hen and one rooster. I have 10 chicks that are supposed to be one rooster and 9 hens. I have a small section of the coop wired off for the chicks. They (adult and baby) have been able to see each other from day one. So when and how should I integrate them? I've read a few posts that say they can be integrated fairly early but there are no instructions for my specific situation of just one hen. Do I have to keep the rooster separate while I do this? I have a small area that is for supplies like straw and food. I could put that all up on the shelf and let the rooster stay in there if that's what's needed. They are three weeks old, the hen and rooster are about 7 months old.

Thanks!

 

[3KillerBs]

Here are some useful articles on integration for you:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-coop-brooder-and-integration.74591/


There are no guarantees, but *most* of the time the males are fine with chicks. Some of them are even excellent, involved fathers. I actually had a 7-month cockerel who reacted to a pen of 4-week-old chicks by sitting down next to them and taking an interest. Later, when they were out in the coop, he escorted them on their first trip outside into the run as a watchful babysitter.

Hen are often more problematic with chicks.

You can only try it and see what happens.

 

[whispurr]

I read those posts before I asked. All I really got was you can do it while they're still babies. I think my situation is unique, having only one hen and a rooster. So if I let the chicks out, close the door to the run with everybody in the coop? It's a big jump to get in and out of the run. (Waiting for my handyman to put the ramp in.) So should I let the chicks wander and just leave their door open chick-width? I've never raised multi generations of chickens.

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

How old are they?
Do you have little hiding places they can escape to?
How long have they been in the look and see pen?
Would you be able to stay with them on the first few outings?

 

[whispurr]

How old are they?
Do you have little hiding places they can escape to?
How long have they been in the look and see pen?
Would you be able to stay with them on the first few outings?

Three week chicks, 9 Month adults.
No hiding places.
Been in the same coop since I got the chicks at a day or two days old.
Yes, I could stay with them a while.

The chicks will need access to their section because the big bird's food/water is higher up on a chain and cinder blocks. And of course the adult chicken food would be too big for them. I was thinking maybe just leave their section open chick-width for their retreat. I have cardboard boxes I could make one or some into a place to hide.

Thanks!

 

[3KillerBs]

I read those posts before I asked. All I really got was you can do it while they're still babies. I think my situation is unique, having only one hen and a rooster. So if I let the chicks out, close the door to the run with everybody in the coop? It's a big jump to get in and out of the run. (Waiting for my handyman to put the ramp in.) So should I let the chicks wander and just leave their door open chick-width? I've never raised multi generations of chickens.

The principles are the same regardless of how many chicks or how many adults.

Time to get used to each other in see-don't-touch, plenty of clutter and hiding places, and some supervision at first to make sure things work out.

 

[aart]

The chicks will need access to their section

Tiny doors.
Reread my article.

 

[whispurr]

Here are some useful articles on integration for you:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-coop-brooder-and-integration.74591/


There are no guarantees, but *most* of the time the males are fine with chicks. Some of them are even excellent, involved fathers. I actually had a 7-month cockerel who reacted to a pen of 4-week-old chicks by sitting down next to them and taking an interest. Later, when they were out in the coop, he escorted them on their first trip outside into the run as a watchful babysitter.

Hen are often more problematic with chicks.

You can only try it and see what happens.

This is proving to be true. The rooster almost acts like they're his baby hens. The hen on the other hand... not sure what to do about her. She's mean!