adult Ameraucanas & introducing RIR chicks

[nicolevg]

We have 4 Ameraucanas (& 1 olive egger, but she goes along with whatever the Ameraucanas do) & am considering getting 5 Rhode Island Red chicks in the next month or two. Anyone have experience with how these two breeds get along? Ideally, I wanted to have one of my hens go broody & then to have her raise the 5 chicks herself, but none of my hens have gone broody this summer. I'm assuming this will make integrating them into the flock when they're old enough more difficult. Anyone who can share their thoughts or experience would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Blue Raptor]

@Lemon-Drop @3KillerBs

 

[cherrynberry]

We have 4 Ameraucanas (& 1 olive egger, but she goes along with whatever the Ameraucanas do) & am considering getting 5 Rhode Island Red chicks in the next month or two. Anyone have experience with how these two breeds get along? Ideally, I wanted to have one of my hens go broody & then to have her raise the 5 chicks herself, but none of my hens have gone broody this summer. I'm assuming this will make integrating them into the flock when they're old enough more difficult. Anyone who can share their thoughts or experience would be much appreciated. Thanks!

As long as you integrate them right, it will work. It even can work for bantams and standard size chickens. It’s all about the integration

 

[nicolevg]

As long as you integrate them right, it will work. It even can work for bantams and standard size chickens. It’s all about the integration

Do you have any recommendations on sources about integration? I'm brand new to keeping chickens, and have never raised chicks before.

 

[cherrynberry]

Do you have any recommendations on sources about integration? I'm brand new to keeping chickens, and have never raised chicks before.

I like to start integrating the new chicks outside at about 6 weeks old, maybe a little younger during the summer time. I use the “see no touch” process which includes separating out the chicks from the adults using some sort of enclosure. I like to use a small prefab coop, or even sometimes just a dog crate. The point is for them to be able to see each other without hurting each other.
For sources, you could use the search button at the upper right. It’s so helpful.

 

[3KillerBs]

Here are some useful articles on Integration:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-coop-brooder-and-integration.74591/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-“see-but-don’t-touch”-method.67839/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/adding-to-your-flock.47756/