Combining flocks

[Chickadee0121]

When can I put my 7 and 8 week old pullets out with my adult hens and roosters? I have two coops for my 25 adult chickens out in the yard now. They free range within large area fencing. I need to get them out of my garage soon. Is it safe to combine them yet?

 

[igorsMistress]

It's a good idea to have about a month of see but not touch time before letting them loose with your flock. This way they can interact without getting hurt. Multiple feed and water stations and places to hide are a good idea as well. If you've done that tgen this is a good time. My chicks are typically out with the flock by 4 weeks.

 

[rosemarythyme]

You have 2 coops for the adults, but is there another coop for these chicks?

x2 what igorsMistress said, you need to give them time to see each other but not touch. If you've already done this, and have set up some hiding spaces and feeders where the youngsters won't have to complete for resources, you can start letting them interact.

I also integrate early, so my chicks are brooded outdoors and allowed to mingle with hens around 2 weeks old and move into the coop at 4 weeks. Something to consider for the future, if you set up for it.

 

[Chickadee0121]

You have 2 coops for the adults, but is there another coop for these chicks?

x2 what igorsMistress said, you need to give them time to see each other but not touch. If you've already done this, and have set up some hiding spaces and feeders where the youngsters won't have to complete for resources, you can start letting them interact.

I also integrate early, so my chicks are brooded outdoors and allowed to mingle with hens around 2 weeks old and move into the coop at 4 weeks. Something to consider for the future, if you set up for it.

I have two separate chicken yards. A coop in each yard. The smaller yard only has 6 hens, a rooster, and a 3 week old chick (which is out with mother). The new pullets will go to that coop/yard. Thank you for your help. I appreciate it!

 

[Chickadee0121]

It's a good idea to have about a month of see but not touch time before letting them loose with your flock. This way they can interact without getting hurt. Multiple feed and water stations and places to hide are a good idea as well. If you've done that tgen this is a good time. My chicks are typically out with the flock by 4 weeks.

I can separate them with a fence during the day but can they roost together at night? Or will I need to put them back in the brooder pen, in the garage. I don’t have a separate coop for them. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question

 

[rosemarythyme]

I can separate them with a fence during the day but can they roost together at night? Or will I need to put them back in the brooder pen, in the garage.

I personally wouldn't have them together at night until you know they can safely interact all day without much issue. Roosting usually causes a bit of scuffling and being stuck in a coop in the early AM could be an issue if adults become aggressive and chicks can't get out.

 

[Chickadee0121]

I personally wouldn't have them together at night until you know they can safely interact all day without much issue. Roosting usually causes a bit of scuffling and being stuck in a coop in the early AM could be an issue if adults become aggressive and chicks can't get out.

Thank you! Good advice. I will keep them separated