Couple of questions about integrating new chicks to the flock

[Raen]

I had three adult hens and this spring I got eight babies. They were brooded in the house until 4 weeks, and then yesterday I sectioned off a part of the coop for them to live in for a while so the old girls can get used to them. So far, the hens don't seem too completely horrified at the new addition, and the babies appear fine.

Questions:

I was planning on keeping them separated for a week before letting them mingle. Is that enough time? Is there a way to know that they'll be OK?

My big hens free range around the yard during the day. The yard, which is 1/4 acre, has a 6' tall fence around it, and I've never had them attempt to escape before, and they've always come home at night. When I let the pullets out with the hens, will they stick together and continue their elders' good behavior?

Thanks in advance.

 

[CMV]

I would keep them separate for several weeks. A good rule of thumb is to fully integrate when both batches of birds are about the same size. That way the newbies won't get hurt too badly.

As far as the fence goes, you will need to watch and see if they continue with the established pattern. Only time will tell. My newest batch of birds has proven to be much more adventurous than my older groups. They are all over the place, whereas my older birds stick to an established area. A bit annoying because I never know where the newbies will turn up, but at least they stay out of my gardens which the oldsters do not. Oh, well...

I hope this helps. Good luck.

 

[gumpsgirl]

You need to wait until they are at least 18 weeks old before you integrate the chicks. Hens can be brutal and have been known to kill chicks. I never integrate until fully grown and even then I go by size. Some pullets/cockerels at 18 weeks old aren't even big enough to go in with the existing hens. I'm speaking from experience and am trying to save you the pain of learning the hard way here.

 

[poodlepill]

You may be the exception to the rull but I beleive 4 weeks old is way too young to intergrate fully, I fear the big hens will peck and the little ones are way too little to defend themselves.

 

[Lisa202]

Read this. She seems to have a good plan for integrating chicks.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=14951

 

[Raen]

Thank you guys, looks like they'll have boring teenage years, then. Poor chickies. I like the idea of the safety net from the link. I'll also make them a chicken tractor so they can get outside, since it's going to be a while.