Adding to flock

[mc26]

If I get day old chicks from a hatchery, how old will they need to be before it’s safe for them to go in the coop with other chickens? Will I need to wait the full 6 weeks so they’re feathered? I’m in Texas so keeping them warm outside isn’t an issue.

 

[nuthatched]

You can brood them in the coop, in an area the big ones can't reach them.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/categories/learning-center.11/
Mine have been brooded in the coop since 2 weeks old and at 8 weeks, are well integrated.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...and-start-raising-your-chicks-outdoors.71995/​

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[rosemarythyme]

You can do it even earlier than what nuthatched does - I brood outdoors as soon as I receive them at 2-3 days old, and they begin face to face interactions with the adults around 2 weeks old, and fully moved into the coop around 4 weeks of age. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/short-on-time-recycle-a-prefab-brooder.73985/