Combining flocks?

[KDrake]

I'm sure this has been posted several times, I'm hoping to hear success stories!

We have an existing flock of 13 chickens. They are about a year old now. We have 9 chicks who are about 5 weeks old. Our original plan was to have 2 separate flocks. However, we would like to just combine them so we don't need to build 2 different coops, runs, etc.
When is the ideal time to move them outside? I know we need to introduce them slowly and in an area when they can't physically touch. We planned on moving them out sometime in May. I'm expecting this process to take several weeks. Any advice on how to do this? Thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I generally move mine when they are done with heat and it's warm enough. Anywhere from 4-10 weeks.

Pen them where everyone can see them for 1-2 weeks, than begin supervised mingling. I do those for about a week or so before I feel okay leaving mine out for the day.

It will go easy if you have plenty of room, and will be more difficult if you don't.

It's normal for chicks to show up in a flock so integrating chicks generally goes easier than older birds who are seen as intruders.

 

[Chickenmama1614]

I'm sure this has been posted several times, I'm hoping to hear success stories!

We have an existing flock of 13 chickens. They are about a year old now. We have 9 chicks who are about 5 weeks old. Our original plan was to have 2 separate flocks. However, we would like to just combine them so we don't need to build 2 different coops, runs, etc.
When is the ideal time to move them outside? I know we need to introduce them slowly and in an area when they can't physically touch. We planned on moving them out sometime in May. I'm expecting this process to take several weeks. Any advice on how to do this? Thanks!

Im in the same exact situation. I have a coop of 14 right now. 13 hens and 1 rooster. I have 8 incubating currently. Really dont want to build another coop, but cant think of any other way.

 

[Mrs. K]

Really I find it works better to do it earlier, and to let the chicks/chickens do it on their terms. So do the see not touch for a week, but then make one way gates, where little chicks can fit through but chickens cannot. Make sure that the chicks can go through like water, and then leave them be.

Often times, I let my layers out of the coop/run, and wait for my chicks to venture forth, then me and the kids give them a mild chase, so they figure out the safety zone. However, if they have been in this area for a week, they tend to use it as a safe zone anyway.

Ways to create a safe zone, I have used lattice panels, to section off a corner, with a shelter and food and water inside. Chicks came and went as they needed. I have also set up a pallet on bricks just a few inches off the ground, chicks could run under to saftey. Or build a box out of chicken wire, without a floor, then just lift up the box so that it is off the ground a couple of inches.

This allows the chicks to venture out on their terms, at first they will stay pretty close to the safe zone, but they will get braver on their terms. If they get rude and obnoxious, a little mind you manners peck, and they scurry back to the safe zone.

Usually mine are out with the flock in less than a week. Nearly painless way of introduction. Often times people want to control this, and make it worse.

This works best with younger chicks as the size difference makes it easier to use a one way gate, and chickens are not as aggravated by chicks as older birds. The chicks need a one way gate, but really only for a little while - 10 days.


Mrs K

 

[feathermaid]

Excellent advice from @oldhenlikesdogs and @Mrs. K
I used their same methods to integrate my chicks by 4-5 weeks old. I agree that older birds do not seem too bothered by younger chicks wandering around, whereas full-sized pullets would be seen as a threat. You'll still want to keep them separated for maybe a week within their safe zone so they have a chance to learn where they can hide if they need to.
Here's a picture of my "graduate" divider (with 3.5" spaces) that the chicks fit through but adults can't. And after only a week or two, they decided on their own to start roosting with the big girls.

 

[aart]

However, we would like to just combine them so we don't need to build 2 different coops, runs, etc.

How big is your coop, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help.

Do you have power in your coop?
I move my chicks out into coop 1 week after hatch with their heating pad,
then integrate with flock by 4-6 weeks.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/