Another chick integration question...

[elizamamma]

Hi all,
We have two adult hens (1.5 years old) and are in the process of integrating four 13-week old chicks. We started off with the babies in a grower coop with the hens free-ranging around them. Now they've all been free-ranging together for about three weeks in a large fenced outdoor area. They haven't had any trouble, although the 13-week olds are afraid of one the hens, who tends to peck at them but doesn't chase them and has never caused any injuries. I'd like to get them all into one coop at night. The coop isn't huge, but it has a very secure attached run which they can access 24x7 in warm months. Is it too soon to close up the grower coop and have them all sleep in the big girls' coop?

Thanks for you advice!
Liz

 

[azygous]

Chicks as young as four or five weeks are capable of learning to go into the coop at night and roosting on a perch.

Just be aware that it's natural for young chickens to feel wary of older ones. The will be more comfortable in the coop with the big girls if there is ample roosting space, and if there happens to be a bully, two entrances are better than just one.

 

[hkirchn]

Above is some very sound advice. I couldn't agree more!

 

[Mark_Khrushchev]

Hi all,
We have two adult hens (1.5 years old) and are in the process of integrating four 13-week old chicks. We started off with the babies in a grower coop with the hens free-ranging around them. Now they've all been free-ranging together for about three weeks in a large fenced outdoor area. They haven't had any trouble, although the 13-week olds are afraid of one the hens, who tends to peck at them but doesn't chase them and has never caused any injuries. I'd like to get them all into one coop at night. The coop isn't huge, but it has a very secure attached run which they can access 24x7 in warm months. Is it too soon to close up the grower coop and have them all sleep in the big girls' coop?

Thanks for you advice!
Liz

Chickens can't tell age, but they can tell size. If the Juveniles are the same size then wait for the next step. But also keep in mind the breed of juveniles you have. Buff Orpingtons and Barred Rocks might have to spend a little more in your outdoor area as they tend to be pecked on more than others. Then, get a large cage and put it inside the coop. Keep the juveniles inside the cage so that they can get used to the bigger hens. Provide food and water. After about a week they and you see that they are doing well, then release them. Reply if you need more info![/QUOTE]