back to the pen?

[Albert Ward]

When or at what age/weeks can I take my chicks back to the rest of the chickens in the pen?

Albert

 

[debilorrah]

I have a couple questions for you before I answer.... How many chicks, how many hens and how old are both?

 

[Harley's girl]

Mine need to be 6 months at the least. I am in Ohio and it gets very cold well into May. (last night everything froze.....again!)

I put 3 month olds outside but I had around 30 of them and I had a light on them and they are in their own pen.

Hope this helps.

 

[Albert Ward]

The chicks is about 4 weeks old now. My hens is about 16-18 weeks. Their combs is starting to develop if that will help. The other chicks is about 12 weeks now and is doing fine with the older ones. The 4 week old chicks I bought from a reliable supplier who specializes in Barred Plymouth rock and some other breeds. I still feel 4 weeks is still a bit young to go to the coop and I thought to give them another 4 weeks before I put them in the coop with the others. During the day I open the brood that they can get used to the surrounding temperatures but in the evening I close them up and keep them warm. Winter will be on our doorstep soon. Our winters is quite mild compared to other regions and the temperature seldom drops below -5 deg C.

Regards
Albert

 

[cmom]

Where do you live?

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'm guessing South Africa.

The chicks need to be about the same size as the other chickens. House them side by side for a week or so before you mingle them, give them separate feeders and waterers after they mingle, mix them at night, give them enough room to get away from each other, provide new toys or distractions, and you may not have too many problems. I'm sure you are aware there will be pecking order issues, but as long as it doesn't get bloody, evertythig should sort itself out.

 

[Albert Ward]

Yup, South Africa, high veld region (Johannesburg, Vaal Triangle).
Thanks for the advice!
Albert