Flock integration

[Tylerg1979]

In the first pic you will see the chicken run with the larger birds, in the second and third pic you will see the “integration box” I built for the chicks/pullets, in the third pic you will see the crate I keep the silkie pullets in at night. So as of now, I keep the big birds in the run during the day and they come roost in the coop at night, I let the larger silkie chicks have free range of the coop during the day and crate them at night. And I have the integration box in the coop at all times,in about a week I will start to integrate the larger silkie chicks in with the rest of the flock and then let all the larger birds have free range of the run and coop, is this a solid plan for flock integration? Does it seem that this should help ease tensions? I know there will be the establishing of a pecking order but I just want the birds to have as little bullying as possible. Thanks for your input

 

[rosemarythyme]

Your set up looks good as far as the see but don't touch part of integration. Is the integration box built into the coop, or can it be moved/lifted? Reason I'm asking is if you can lift it up on some bricks once you're ready to let them mingle, that would give the chicks a chick-only area for them to eat or even hide in if needed.

 

[Tylerg1979]

Your set up looks good as far as the see but don't touch part of integration. Is the integration box built into the coop, or can it be moved/lifted? Reason I'm asking is if you can lift it up on some bricks once you're ready to let them mingle, that would give the chicks a chick-only area for them to eat or even hide in if needed.

It has only a couple screws holding it in place so I can easily lift up when needed, thanks for the idea, I like it and will implement it when the time comes!

 

[Mrs. K]

A safety zone is a good idea, and really works well.

 

[Truckin Cluckin]

Is there a heat lamp in the crate where the chicks are? I have a heat pad but wonder if it puts out enough heat for the chicks to be on. I am adding chicks to my small flock here soon. Thank you

 

[rosemarythyme]

Is there a heat lamp in the crate where the chicks are? I have a heat pad but wonder if it puts out enough heat for the chicks to be on. I am adding chicks to my small flock here soon. Thank you

A heating pad for humans? As long as it's placed in a draft free area that should provide enough heat for chicks as long as it's not too cold (I've used it down to mid 40s, and I know some folks have used a heating pad down to high 20s or so but I myself have never raised chicks outside in those temperatures).