Adding Chicks

[RonSimonson]

Here's the rub I've had 3 hens (2 RIR's and a barred sumpin or another) for a little over a year we are going to get 3 americana chicks today. Will the big ones actully harm the babies or just be mean to 'em? I would like to sneak em in tonight when they are roosting. Or should I keep 'em in a little cage in the backyard with the others, or just let the chips fall where they may and just let 'em free??

 

[write2caroline]

I would wait until the babies are feathered out. I had my biddies in a separate coop we built from pallets. When they were bigger I let them out and they had lots of hiding places. The other chickens were kind of mean but so long as they had a hide away they were fine. In about two weeks the big ones were fine with the little ones. They still don't share a coop but that was my intention to keep them housed separately.
Caroline

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

How old are your new chicks?