Adding New Chicks

[roostercluck]

It's spring time and Tractor Supply has chicks. I have 4 silver-laced wyandottes that are about a year old. I was wondering if there is a way to integrate some new chicks into my existing flock. I don't want to have a bloodbath, so should I even get more chicks? If so, how many?

 

[WildBilly]

I would raise the chicks inside a bin with all proper chick supplies but then i would put them with the older chickens when they are 5 to 7 weeks old. I would supervise the Wyandottes so they don't hurt the new chickens, and i would tell them to "stop that" if the wyandottes pecked the new birds. Eventually the younger birds will grow and get along..........maybe, i have no research this is just a suggestion.

 

[Mrs. K]

I humbly disagree with the above post. Older chickens will kill smaller chicks, even chicks fully feathered out. One should not mix strange flocks until the young chicks are darn close to full size. There will be a blood bath, even if you say "no". It is quite appalling.

 

[LukensFarms]

When I integrate small to large I do so when they are about 2-3 months old. With that in mind I set up a mini shelter that is a hiding place for the little ones to seek refuge. I never have problems thus way.

 

[CurrieChicken]

I am also about to add new chicks and they are varying ages from 4-8 weeks. I have an established flock of 4 and 6 new chicks. We have the chicks inside in two brooders right now and when its warm out we put them outside in a small enclosure we built of scrap wood and extra chicken wire from our coop. This allows them to be outside with the larger girls, but still safe from them and predators. My Cochins seem pretty accepting of the little ones and haven't gotten aggressive, but the Wyandottes are vicious, going after the chicks with a vengeance. My plan is to continue to keep the chicks separate and put them outside more often as it warms up, but in the enclosure until they are full grown. The problem is that the larger chicks are too big for the brooder, so I need to get them outside more and I think what I am going to do is put an enclosed box in the coop for them to sleep in at night so they won't be attacked by the other girls, but everyone will be accustomed to them being in the coop. I think keeping them in the enclosure during the day Will keep them safe and allow them to stay on chick feed until they are large enough to be set out with the rest. Any thoughts? This is my first time adding new chicks and I really need to get these big chicks out of the brooder, they are like monsters in there with the smaller ones.

 

[ChickMommaSD]

We think we have a rooster and were thinking that if she ends up being a he that we'd like to try to add a fourth to what would be the remaining three but I've been afraid to do that, even if we find one same age. I'm assuming they wouldn't even be able to bring in a new one that is same age.

 

[Den in Penn]

We think we have a rooster and were thinking that if she ends up being a he that we'd like to try to add a fourth to what would be the remaining three but I've been afraid to do that, even if we find one same age. I'm assuming they wouldn't even be able to bring in a new one that is same age.

It can be done to add a chick the same age. By the time you know you have a rooster, a slow introduction would be the best way. The same age is desirable. An cage or separate area in the coop/run for a week or so. For them to get know each other through the wire, with out being able to beating the stranger up.

PS. More then one would bebetter.

 

[Feathers n Fur]

I too have a flock of 7 girls (10 months old) and just got 5 more chickies this week. My plan is to wait til they are featherd and big enough to defend then section off a portion of my coup to let them be for about 2 weeks so the big girls can see but not touch the babies as well as section off a portion of the run for the same period of time then one nice saturday have a meet and greet and supervise the gathering while I take own the barriers. I know they will probably remain as two flocks in one coop but as long as no one eats the other I'm ok with it. I plan to have multiple feeders and waterers to avoid food fights.