Adding new birds

[henhouse333]

We have 5 chicks that are about 4 weeks old (still in their brooder and not yet introduced to the coop/run). If we get a few more newly hatched chicks this week - will we still likely have the same issues with needing to slowly introduce and deal with pecking order/coop politics? Or will they be close enough in age as juvenile birds that things can work out smoothly?

 

[Lobo123]

At four weeks they have already developed a pecking order, it might not be as proper as a mature flock, buts its there. I would tackle it the same way I would when adding any new bird to a flock. Putting them in an inclosure where both groups can see each other, but not physically touch each other. I'm sure there are other ways of introducing your chicks, whatever works best for you.

Good luck!

 

[rosemarythyme]

With chicks, it can be something of a crapshoot. Possibly they'll all be fine despite a few weeks difference, or the older ones can attack the younger.

Safest thing to do is let them see each other but not reach each other for a period of time (a week or so maybe), then take away the barrier on a day when you can supervise/check in and watch how they interact.

Most likely they'll take to each other better than let's say adults to adults or adults to teens, but best to proceed carefully so things go smoothly as possible.