Hello, I have a small mixed flock with a rooster. They are all pretty peaceful but grew up together. One of my hens is currently raising 4 chicks. I have a few questions: 1. When should I re-introduce mum and her chicks to the flock? They are currently in a pen a couple if metres away. The main flock checks on them while free ranging. 2. I'd like to buy a couple of new pullets and a few young ducks. Should I introduce them at the same time as mum and chicks to the old flock? 3. Or introduce the new comers to mama and chicks first then later to the flock? 4. or wait until mum and chicks are back in the main pen and use the spare pen for the new comers? 5. If using option 4, can I put new chickens and ducks all in together before introducing them to the flock? Thanks!!
I'd put the broody in with the flock. Those mommas usually let the rest of the flock know to leave her babies alone! The older hens peck the babies occasionally, but it's just a peck like "stay outta my way, punk", the chick makes a fuss and runs back to momma. No biggie. I'd put momma in with the flock, then use her pen as quarantine for the new birds. I'd put the ducks and chickens together, assuming the ducks are young also. Adult drakes can be very sexually aggressive, even to chickens. My adult rooster has never been the problem with introducing new birds. I've had the most problems with younger hens, less than a year old. They're just flat mean to the young ones sometimes. That's why it's best to put your chicks in now, while momma will still protect them and teach them how to interact with the rest of the flock.
