Chicks and hen?

[Kiwiheather]

Hello! I have a question that I haven't been able to find an answer for looking through old posts. I have one dozen 3-1/2 week old baby chicks. They have been inside in the brooder since I got them as day old chicks from McMurrays. My son is coming home from college and is highly allergic to birds so I am wanting to move them outside to the big coop. I currently have ONE hen out there. Any questions I find relate to not putting them with adult birdS until they are they same size. However, does this apply if it's not technically a "flock" but just a single 2 year old hen? I appreciate any advise and/or experience anyone has had with a situation like this!

 

[txnative]

I'm definitely no expert but have read enough on here to believe that if you can find a way to have them near each other but not in with each other for a few days, that would work. For example, put her or the babies in a wire dog crate next to or inside the coop so there is a barrier between them.

 

[aggiemae]

A single hen might not be to bothered by such a large number of chicks. You might be able to put them together during the day and provide a separate and safe sleeping area of the chicks at night. A travel crate for dogs could work but depending on the night time temps where you live, you may need to be able to keep it warm enough at night.

Maybe you could board them until they are ready to go out full time.

 

[Kiwiheather]

A single hen might not be to bothered by such a large number of chicks. You might be able to put them together during the day and provide a separate and safe sleeping area of the chicks at night. A travel crate for dogs could work but depending on the night time temps where you live, you may need to be able to keep it warm enough at night.

Maybe you could board them until they are ready to go out full time.

I am in SOFL and it's pretty warm all the time... I have the brooder my husband made that could be kind of attached.. I have a large fenced area she goes out in during the day.. would it be best to put them all out together while I keep an eye on things? Then have them in the brooder at night?? Thanks so much for the advice!

 

[aggiemae]

If it's warmer than 55 at night they will probably be OK at night, by 4-5 weeks especially since you have 12 and they can pile up.

Yes, I think you should introduce them during the day, just make sure that the chicks have somewhere to hide from the hen just in case.Maybe you can put them out in a dog crate with a (homemade) small door that the hen can't get into. Open the door so they can venture in and out on their own. Chickens are very social animals, your's might be thrilled to have some friends!

 

[Kiwiheather]

If it's warmer than 55 at night they will probably be OK at night, by 4-5 weeks especially since you have 12 and they can pile up.

Yes, I think you should introduce them during the day, just make sure that the chicks have somewhere to hide from the hen just in case.Maybe you can put them out in a dog crate with a (homemade) small door that the hen can't get into. Open the door so they can venture in and out on their own. Chickens are very social animals, your's might be thrilled to have some friends!

Thank you!! That's what I was hoping! She seems so sad and lonely! I think we have one more day of rain then I will plan on putting them out! Finger crossed and I will update!

 

[Kiwiheather]

***UPDATE ***
Thought I'd share the good news... it's been 24 hours since I put the chicks out with the hen and other than a few curious pecks, everything is going very well! She has already shown them how to roost and they are making their way to higher and higher roosts in the run! It's so fun to watch them! Thanks again for the great advice!

 

[aggiemae]

I am so glad your lone chicken has a flock!