At what age can chicks join the flock?

[ChicksR4Me]

I have 4 - 5 week old chicks and they are still in the house in a 4' x 2' brooder and it seems crowded and I would like to put them out with the flock. When and how can I get them moved outside?

 

[ZooMummzy]

Lots of threads on here with lots of different ideas, but the common one is as soon as they are the same size as the rest of your flock (about 4 months old). I put my outside within the coop/run at about 3 months, but I keep them isolated within a separate cage I built. My new coop has a separated area and run for the new ones. The little ones will get pecked really bad by the bigger ones. I know a lot of people do it earlier, but give them a place to hide, but I just don't want to take the chance. Once the chickens draw blood, it's never a good thing

 

[ChicksR4Me]

Thank you for your help. They are not nearly as big as the rest of the birds so i'm going to have to find another way. I have meat birds due to be butchered next wednesday which will vacate a nice coop for them. That is what I originally planned but my DB is really pushing to get them out today. I'm going to try to hold off till then.

Thanks again!

 

[ZooMummzy]

Your welcome!