Combining pullets

[rosemarythyme]

You have an article too, right...link it here maybe
@blackdog043 has a good setup too.
Both of yours are simpler than mine...I should link your articles in mine.

I really should do a separate integration article... maybe "next time" so I can add more photos.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/short-on-time-recycle-a-prefab-brooder.73985/

The setup is relatively simple because I just used what I already had around. If I added chicks on a regular basis I would've had a brooder built into the coop, but I don't, so having things that are temporary suits me fine.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

I mean, short answer is no that's a bad idea.

Longer answer is yes, with the right birds under the right circumstances and lots of space. You might wanna consider something like a week of see-don't-touch and then later a creep for them (a wall that small chicks can get through but bigger birds can't). That way they can mingle but the wee chicks always have somewhere safe to go to. It's possible that they will never get along or they might just click instantly. But integration results vary and big chicks are very capable of injuring or killing little ones.

 

[aart]

I really should do a separate integration article... maybe "next time" so I can add more photos.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/short-on-time-recycle-a-prefab-brooder.73985/

The setup is relatively simple because I just used what I already had around. If I added chicks on a regular basis I would've had a brooder built into the coop, but I don't, so having things that are temporary suits me fine.

I think that shows it pretty well.
You can add pics and text to an article at any time....you knew that tho, right?
Am going to link your article in mine.

 

[aart]

A good guide is to make sure that the flocks that you are combining are within 30% or so of each other's size.

Actually many of us have found that tiny chicks are pretty easy to integrate,
they are not big enough to pose a 'threat' to the flocks pecking order and are small and fast enough to get away from any aggression.
Need a good setup tho, like with any integration...
...lots of space, multiple feed/water stations, places to hide, etc.

 

[blackdog043]

I use a coop brooder with the Mama heat pad. At four weeks, I use the panic door panel for the brooder, to let the chicks interact with the big girls. I have stuff inside the coop and run for them to run behind(open on both ends) or go under to get away from any pecking. They usually go back to the brooder for about week to sleep. By 6 weeks they were brave enough to get up on the roost board with the big girls. They usually split the big girls, by roosting right in the middle.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I think that shows it pretty well.
You can add pics and text to an article at any time....you knew that tho, right?
Am going to link your article in mine.

Yup, I've edited it a lot, based on points folks have brought up (like making sure there's no dead ends when it comes to obstacles). It was meant to be just a brooder page at first... I added integration notes after a few weeks, since I kept seeing threads about integration and troubleshooting.

Thanks for linking my notes!

 

[blackdog043]

@aart I just made a quick article, if you want to save the link. I'll probably add stuff as I think of it.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/author/blackdog043.460871/

 

[aart]

@aart I just made a quick article, if you want to save the link. I'll probably add stuff as I think of it.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/author/blackdog043.460871/

Great.....I had been using this link:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...chicks-with-adult-hens.1244000/#post-19962696

 

[ourcozycoop]

Great info! Thanks guys!

Our coops are very large and divided into sections. Our main coop has Two indoor sections and an outdoor run. Our barn is a u shape and they get the whole one end of it. We also have a area completely seperate (currently our mini pigs home) but this section also has an indoor area with a outdoor run. LOTS of space. In our main coop the first section has multiple perches and a perch tree this is where we set up our heat lamps during the winter. This section is also where they have access to the outdoor run. The other section of this coop is where they all choose to lay for the most part and where they come in and out of whole free ranging. We have made it so there are plenty of spots accommodating all our ladies preference (ex. Our bantams like to hide their eggs so I’ve made hiding spots that luckily for me they liked and use) our other coop is where I home new arrivals. It’s also where I keep our barn brooder as it’s better insulated and holds warmth well (also why Pineapple our mini pig likes it in this space) currently we have 5 hens and a rooster who have decided they prefer to sleep here. The main coop is divided with a wall that comes from the ceiling until about 2 feet from the ground. Where we have installed a thick gage fencing. This has allowed our smaller girls in the past from hen hatched to run quick and get away from any peckers. This fencing also has a small opening that allows for everyone to go from one section to the next. I’ve also noticed in the past that the little chicks from our hens like hiding under the brooder boxes.

Although they all free range and come and go as they please our coop is very accommodating.

I planned on using the dog cages opened up and made into a indoor run type idea. Like the pictures posted. For the most part our girls are pretty easy going. But our polish Rooster is a real jerk. He doesn’t let up sometimes and is MASSIVE. Tiny chicks like the bantams def. wouldn’t stand a chance against him. Honestly I’m about ready to rehome him.

It seems asides from wondering if I can combine hatches we are on the right track with integration and space.

Thanks again!

I’ll post pictures soon of our coop, then maybe more tips can help us get EXACTLY where we need to be

Here’s a pic that kinda shows how the two sections of the main coop are open at the bottom but still closed with the fencing