Chick questions

[Newbie in NC]

Hello;
We have two chicks that are 4 weeks old......we separated them from the hens after two other chicks were squished by the broody.

1st question. At what age should we re-introduce them to the flock? We are currently keeping them in a small cage in an outbuilding. We are gradually allowing them to roam around the yard when the big girls are out.

2nd question. One of the chicks is starting to grow a crown.....we think it's a roo......in the short amount of time he was free ranging with the flock, (under supervision) our adult roo began trying to bully and peck him.....will the adult roo kill this chick if left alone long enough???

Thanks!!

 

[RendonRoo]

It's possible at first. Keep slowly introducing them and let the big one establish the pecking order under supervision. You will be able to tell when they have figured it out. It will work better if they are close to the same size. Good Luck

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other post. I would watch carefully at first and the older Roo can hurt or kill the younger one.

 

[suebee]

Many times, it not the roo's...it's the hens who are the meanest to young chicks. If you do combine the young ones with old, make sure they have plenty of hiding places. They will get chased. I'd watch them very carefully.

 

[Newbie in NC]

Thanks everyone!!!
This weekend we put the little ones in the coop while the big girls and adult roo were out free-ranging......it seemed to work well..they loved having all that room for themselves...the big girls would saunter over and check out the little ones, then lose interest and go back to foraging......the adult roo pretty much ignored them all day......we switched them back at dusk. Think we may place the small cage next to the coop for a couple days, let everyone out (supervised) and see what happens.

Thanks again,
Tim