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ChickenGirl555 said:
Hello! I'm new on this website and only on my first flock. They are already two months old, but I'm getting two new chicks and I had a question for anybody who's experienced, I was thinking about putting the new chicks (I don't have them yet but will in a few days) with the adults, so it's like they are raising them. I wanted somebody's opinion on this. Any ideas?
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New chicks that are just a few days old need to be in a brooder with heat, food and water. No way should they be put in with 2 month older chickens until they are 6 weeks old. They need 95 degrees for the 1 st week of life and the heat can be reduced 5 degree a week until they are 6 weeks old. I keep little ones in the house with just a 60 watt light bulb for the 1st 2 or 3 weeks so I can watch for pasty butt and get them started off right.
 
red horse ranch said:
New chicks that are just a few days old need to be in a brooder with heat, food and water. No way should they be put in with 2 month older chickens until they are 6 weeks old. They need 95 degrees for the 1 st week of life and the heat can be reduced 5 degree a week until they are 6 weeks old. I keep little ones in the house with just a 60 watt light bulb for the 1st 2 or 3 weeks so I can watch for pasty butt and get them started off right.
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Thank you, I know about the temps and everything, I was just wondering if it was possible, but apparently not form what I'm hearing. This is why I ask this question, so I don't end up loosing a chick!
 
Just keep them separate for a few weeks then at least (:
I have one older chick in with some younger ones but she's very motherly with them, if she was boisterous I'd take her out. I'm hoping all goes well for you
 
G’Day from down under ChickenGirl555 :frow Welcome!

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

Personally, I have found the Topic of the Week articles a great resource and a one stop shop for questions which may have already been discussed within the BYC membership group. There is a discussion on Integrating Chicks into an Adult Flock you might find helpful.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out ;)
 
Chickens have a pecking order and can be quite severe about executing it. The older chicks will have gone through that. When you introduce new chicks or new birds they will be subjected to this.

The best way to add to established flock is the "Look but don't touch," method of integration. It is the kindest, gentlest way, and if followed correctly prevents attacks & blood shed.

You should be able to find this method through the searchbox.
 
Chicken social structure is not kind - large established birds pick on smaller new birds. Do not try to add birds to your established flock until they are as large as the other chickens. Even then there will be fighting and bullying. Do an on site search on 'flock integration'. It can be problematic.
 

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