Adding new chicks in the lot

[moms]

Hi folks, any help would be appreciated greatly. I have four chickens. Two black sexlink hens, 21 weeks old, out in their coop, that free range during the day. I also got two buff oppington hens, that are 9 weeks old. They are in a dog crate on my porch. I want to add the buffs to the two others, but I want to do it safely. Here's what I've been doing for the past two weeks. During the day when the girls are roaming free, I take the dog crate with the buff in it outside so the big girls can see them, come close but not touch. They are pretty curious, but for the most part, walk away. I feel as though they would peck them if they could get at them. So my question is this how and when do i bite the bullet and let em get together as this has to happen. Do I let em all out together in the yard and when, or sneak them in the roost box at night like so many other folks have recommended? Or something else? I love these buffs and do not want them to be injured. This pecking order has me all nervous about their safety. Please advise. Beth

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, moms, and

! Pleased you joined us! Sounds like you've done everything right - letting them get to know each other in safe circumstances. At any point I think you can put the youngsters into the coop. Here's what I do - put the newbies in at dark so they have a chance to spend the night in the same coop - do so at dark as the older ones won't be inclined to be mean in the dark. In the a.m. at first light open the coop so they aren't trapped together and monitor their behavior - there will be pecking order squabbles as the older girls will assert their dominance. You should be good to go as long as they don't single out one of the newbies and are excessively mean. Good luck to you!

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[DDNONIN2016]

Hello and welcome ..... so glad you joined BYC

redsoxs gave you great advice. I do exactly the same thing. Mine always do fine when out free ranging together with plenty of room.