Has anyone ever just "thrown them in" when integrating new birds into a flock?

[Rooster_Tyranny]

It sounds like success so far---what breed(s) are they?

The chicks are 2 Russian Orloffs, 1 Light Brahma, and a Buff Orpington Cockerel. The hens are 2 SLWs, 2 Buckeyes, and 1 WCB Polish

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I frequently move birds from building to building but they were all hatched here.
People do just throw them in but I would never do that with birds from off my property.
Observance of biosecurity and quarantine is essential.

 

[JB8907]

They'll be fine, iv'e had zero problems putting littles in with the flock. Issues only pop up when the youngsters are past the peeping stage and introduced.
Scalping and eating babies isn't the norm, what you're seeing is.

Peeping stage?

 

[Rooster_Tyranny]

Peeping stage?

I think she means when they are still chicks and therefore are still "peeping". Since in general it's easier to integrate young chicks instead of adult chickens into an existing flock.

 

[Cryss]

They'll be fine, iv'e had zero problems putting littles in with the flock. Issues only pop up when the youngsters are past the peeping stage and introduced.
Scalping and eating babies isn't the norm, what you're seeing is.

And turned around and walked away. A lot of squawking, quite a few lost feathers, a lot of, no blood and the next day everyone was none the worse for the wear. Amazing what can happen when there is no interference from humans.

I would never introduce just 1 or 2 like that in an established flock. 0nly can do that when there are adequate targets of opportunity for the terror to be spread thinly to all the newcomers.

So if you had, say, four 1+ year old hens and you introduced four 5 week (or 7 week?) old chicks in this manner would that be what you are describing?

 

[Mrs. K]

I think it helps if there have been chicks in the flock before. I often add chicks, sometimes with a broody, sometimes with out. Without a broody, I set up a safety zone, where as the chicks can escape to, that it is either impossible or at leasts slows down a full size bird. I often feed the chicks there.

But with what you described, I would say you are good to go.

Mrs K

 

[MykaMom]

I've successfully integrated chicks into an established flock before. This time will be different as there's only 2 hens but 7 chicks! I've usually let them get to know each other through the wire of a play pen before I let them all loose together. Never had a problem or lost a little this way.

 

[chrissynemetz]

I do this with all my chicks. But I would say, be sure you know the temperament of your existing flock before you try it. I wouldn't risk it if I had any adult bullies.

 

[MykaMom]

I do this with all my chicks. But I would say, be sure you know the temperament of your existing flock before you try it. I wouldn't risk it if I had any adult bullies.

Exactly. I have a 4 year old cinnamon queen who is extremely maternal, plus a 9 year old black laced silver wyandotte who is submissive. I dont expect any trouble with this bunch.

 

[Fairview01]

So if you had, say, four 1+ year old hens and you introduced four 5 week (or 7 week?) old chicks in this manner would that be what you are describing?

As long as there is adequate space, multiple feeders and fountains and obstructions to slow the old ones down, yeah.