Baby chicks with grown hens

[charles0208]

I have 3 grown hens and a grown rooster, I just bought 3 baby chicks and was wondering at what age is it safe to put the new chicks with the other ones. Thanks

 

[TwoCrows]

Hi there,

and welcome to BYC!

The babies should be close to the same size as the grown flock before you mix them in. So by 3 months old, you can usually integrate them in. You will need to feed a flock raiser feed since you will have birds laying and some not. The younger ones can not tolerate the large amounts of calcium in the layer feed. Just make sure to offer oystershell on the side for the layers.

Mix them in slowly, over several weeks time, with the younger ones behind a fence or in a cage within the flock so they can see but not touch. This gives the original flock time to work the pecking order with the new birds, but not actually touch them. After a few weeks, they all have gotten to know each other and mixing day is generally not too aggressive. Of course always intervene if it turns bloody.

Good luck with your new babies and enjoy BYC!

 

[Judy]

It is usuall relativel safe when the new chicks are adult size, although there will still be some pecking to reorganize the pecking order. This thread discusses integrating two groups of chickens:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/803815/integrating-two-groups/0_20

 

[HS Pye]

Hi! And welcome to BYC! We usually wait 4-6 months till we put our chicks with our adult chickens.

 

[charles0208]

Ok Thanks for the information I will do just that.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC!

 

[kidcody]

from Washington state glad you joined us!

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[roostersandhens]

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. There will always be some problems when integrating new birds to a flock - chicken society is not always pleasant. The larger the birds, the greater the ability to defend themselves.