Flock integration x3

[PattyC2020]

Next month we’re moving into our farmette in central VA. Right now, we’re in Northern VA with 5 hens in a semi-mobile coop/run. The farmette has 14 mixed breed/age chickens (1 being a rooster) and 2 ducks. The Muscovy became broody and hatched out 4 chicks a couple of weeks ago. So now we’re integrating 3 different “flocks” at some point in the near future. The Muscovy and chicks are in a separate coop (there are 2 at the farmette that are connected to the same run) with a separate green space accessed by the people door at the back and using plastic fencing. It’s not yet set up this way but we could arrange an electric fence to allow for a see and not touch encounter with the big flock (the chicks did sneak through the fencing for a visit once and while the big flock ignored them, "mama" Muscovy wasn't too happy about that encounter).

So the overarching questions are:

1. At what age do we integrate the chicks (and is that age different since they have a mama duck (who was initially picked on by the hens when her chickies hatched) rather than being raised in a brooder?)?
2. And how can we best integrate our suburban 5 into the larger flock. There is a run right next door (each is about 30' x 80') and if we’ve clipped wings properly they would be able to see and not touch but we’d have to rig a coop for that side of the run (our current coop won’t withstand the move and my original plan was foiled by the Muscovy and her chicks now occupying the 2nd coop on the property).

Thanks in advance for your experience and thoughts.

 

[Smileybans]

Integrating the mother and chicks as soon as possible is best. I integrated my silkie hen and bantam chicks back in when they were a week old.
As you mentioned the look but don’t touch method is the best way to go with the new five. There are lots of pallet coop ideas online if the coop is going to be temporary. Even if it isn’t there’s still some good permanent pallet coop ideas out there. A pallet coop is easy enough to add into a run. My pallet coop is small, housing 4 pullets, and I can disassemble it if needed.

 

[aart]

It’s not yet set up this way but we could arrange an electric fence to allow for a see and not touch encounter with the big flock

Do not use an electric fence for this.
Fencing/mesh small enough the chicks can't get thru.

The Muscovy became broody and hatched out 4 chicks a couple of weeks ago.

Not sure how to deal with a duck raising chicken chicks.

central VA

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