Can 5 month old hens be in the same coop as 6 week old chicks?

[cadiederich]

I have five chicks that we hatched from eggs that are almost six weeks old. I can keep him in the brooder longer, but was wondering if I could put them out in the coop with the two hens that I have. The hens are golden comets and are five months old.

 

[Yardmom]

Put them out with a separation such as a fence where they can see but not touch. After a couple days allow them to mix with supervision. If it goes well leave them, but check on them. If not separate again for a few days and try again.

 

[rosemarythyme]

They need to be integrated in, "see but don't touch." Having ample space, multiple feeders, and lots of clutter to hide behind will help when you finally allow them to interact after the initial period of separation.

 

[cadiederich]

They need to be integrated in, "see but don't touch." Having ample space, multiple feeders, and lots of clutter to hide behind will help when you finally allow them to interact after the initial period of separation.

What exactly do you mean by clutter?

 

[rosemarythyme]

What exactly do you mean by clutter?

This thread has some great examples: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[aart]

Here's some tips about.....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

 

[Mrs. K]

Use a safety zone and a one way gate, where as the littles can escape to a space where as the big girls can't follow. Have pallets low to the ground, fence lines just slightly off the ground. These work so well because the chickens are managing this on their terms, not people.