Do I need a teenage brooder pen?

[aug251945]

So I have my coop with a large pasture where my adult hens live. I also have a brooder box for my baby chicks. But I am about to pick up three 5-6 week old chicks. The adult coop and pasture is very spacious do I just put the three new teens in there or do I need to construct some sort of teenage brooder pen inside the coop for the newbies? Thanks so much!

 

[Pork Pie]

I'd suggest reading through these links for some ideas, but yes, you will need some kind of systematic integration plan, and do make sure that you have multiple feeding stations.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-see-but-don-t-touch-method
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1126547/topic-of-the-week-integrating-chicks-into-an-adult-flock
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1069595/introducing-chicks-to-adults#post_16276224

 

[quickchicken]

5-6 weeks is a little small to integrate with full grown birds IMO. I would build a pen for them near or inside your pasture. Somewhere where the bigger girls can "meet" their new roomies without viciously pecking at them. If you really don't want to build something, try adding some hiding places for the babies in the big coop. Tires, crates, brush piles and even a pet carrier can help them "escape" their pursuers.

 

[BIggoMamma]

it depends on the nature and personality of your adult chickens. If you know your adults are sweet and docile, like mine, they will probably not hurt them. be aware a PECKING ORDER is called a PECKING ORDER for a reason. If you know some of yours are more aggressive, then build a teenage brooder. If you have a bunch of roosters then I would separate them until they are bigger. I have done it both ways.

 

[aug251945]

Thanks everyone. We took your advice and built a teenager pen and put it in our coop. When we picked up our new chicks I was surprised to see how small they are (even though they are feathered out) so I am glad to have them in a safe pen. We have a lid o it now... not in pic.

 

[aug251945]