Best way to introduce younger chick to flock?

[David885]

So now I am fully addicted to raising chickens, and couldn’t resist picking up this 3 week old Barred Rock pullet. But I have been reading that my 7 week old chickens may bully or even kill the new girl. When I introduced her to the rest of the flock, they we all really interested in her, and my mottled Java that “rules the rost” pecked her lightly. But oveall, none of the existing flock seemed aggressive toward her. I have my new bird in a separate coop for her now. Does anyone have some tips on how to safely integrate her with the rest of her flock-mates?

Thank you!

 

[4 ever Orpington]

So now I am fully addicted to raising chickens, and couldn’t resist picking up this 3 week old Barred Rock pullet. But I have been reading that my 7 week old chickens may bully or even kill the new girl. When I introduced her to the rest of the flock, they we all really interested in her, and my mottled Java that “rules the rost” pecked her lightly. But oveall, none of the existing flock seemed aggressive toward her. I have my new bird in a separate coop for her now. Does anyone have some tips on how to safely integrate her with the rest of her flock-mates?

Thank you!

I did the same thing. I put up a look but no touch barrier for about a week. They become fast friends

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Keep putting them together under supervision. You may or may not see troubles. Leave them together when you feel comfortable with how it's going.

 

[NonnasBabies]

I usually wait till their closer to the same size. And I always move them in at night!!

 

[Ducksandchickens]

Put her in the coop in some kind of cage. The birds can still get her so make sure it’s a large cage. Also maybe wait until she’s fully feathered, and full size

 

[David885]

The “look but no touch” method you prescribed sounds like a great idea. Thank you for your response!

 

[David885]

19891758, member: 41543"] I usually wait till their closer to the same size. And I always move them in at night!![/QUOTE]

Good advice! I have been putting her into the brooder while the older birds get secured in the hen house for the night.

 

[David885]

Keep putting them together under supervision. You may or may not see troubles. Leave them together when you feel comfortable with how it's going.

When I am supervising them they don’t seem to be aggressive towards her, but she is to shy to get in on feeding time. Should I just give her a separate feeder of her own for now?

 

[David885]

Put her in the coop in some kind of cage. The birds can still get her so make sure it’s a large cage. Also maybe wait until she’s fully feathered, and full size

Will the old brooder work you think to keep them separated?

 

[Ducksandchickens]

Do you have a picture of the brooder?

Will the old brooder work you think to keep them separated?