Chick age 10wks ready to go out to the flock?

[Mrs Chickens]

Hi - hope I have posted this in the right section.

I have a chick that is now 10wks since she was 6 wks she has been in a seperate pen in with my flock - when should I let her go it alone? I have a cockrell called Collin who is how do I put it lovin the miss chickens and I am sure he will be very intreasted in the new chick - they are free ranging in a large elec fence area so she will have places to run.

My new chick is fully feathered but not yet the same size as the chickens in my flock

Thanks for advice

 

[saladin]

Mixing chickens of different ages is always a gamble. That said, I never put a pullet in with the hens until she is at least 16 weeks and 20 weeks is even better.

Also, it is best never to just put in one new one; the others are way to hard on just one. saladin

 

[Mrs Chickens]

I have already added 2 extra chickens to the group there has been a little running around but they have lots of space and a big coop, so to date non are bullied. I will take your advice as to waiting until they are 18weeks old but the chicken will have to go somewhere and it not in the pot - she a welsummer.

I also have some younger orpingtons that will when they are old enoght go with my other exsisting flock. Will not eat my orpingtons as they are from show stock and are worth not just money because they are so lovely and gently and so BIG

Thanks

 

[cobrien]

I think waiting until they are the same size is best, and start with introducing them with as much space as possible (free ranging is best), and supervise. It can get very ugly.

 

[faykokoWV]

If she had a partner to go in with her I would say put her in with the others now, but being that she's alone I'm not sure. how big is your flock?

 

[TruthHunter]

Almost more important than the ranging space is roosting space.

They already know who she is through the fence, I gather, so she
will learn to stay out of harms way probably.


I introduced 3 approximately 3 1/2 to 4 month old full sized pullets
recently to my flock of 9 Easter egg bantams. So far I've had to
"manage" roosting arrangements as the wrong ones near each other
means war. The younger ones wait until the "Nazi" hens get settled
before even attempting to go in the coop. If I throw scraps out, I have
to make sure that there are several piles
sufficiently far apart or the older hens will light into the new ones.

I think they are teaching the young ones bad manners.

I am getting tired of playing peacemaker. Maybe i'll convert the doghouse
to another coop