Help with 'moving' my new chickens in with the old flock

[maurap]

I have 1 year old flock of 5 (rooster and 4 hens). This Spring, we raised 3 chicks in the garage; they are about 13 weeks old now. We have been putting the chicks in the run/coop during the day when the old chickens are free ranging. When we go out, we put the chickens back in their fenced run with the baby chicks. The adults seem to pick on the little chicks- the rooster is fine with them. The chicks seem to try to hide from the hens. We want the chicks to sleep in the coop and leave their too small crate! But they seem scared of the adults hens. Tonight, I tried leaving them in the coop. When I went to check on them, I slowly opened the door and the 3 babies practically jumped into my arms- they were so frightened. There was alot of noise in the coop also- I think everyone was looking for a place to sleep and was surprised that the 3 chicks were bunking with them! Of course, the softie that I am, I picked up the babies and brought them back to their crate in the garage. They seemed so relieved (or maybe that was me!). I don't know what to do! They do not like each other at all. I even tried letting them free range together today and the 3 smaller chicks just go off on their own. The 3 chicks are easter-eggers and I think they are a smaller breed than the adult chickens. Any ideas? I can't stand the thought of just leaving them in the coop overnight and having them be so afraid! I didn't know this would be so hard. I don't want to have 2 flocks of chickens. Why can't they just get along!

 

[PeachygirlGA]

From what I've seen with my chickens, they will get over the being frightened of the other chickens. They are just establishing pecking order. I am having the same issues right now because I hatched 3 recently and they are 12 weeks old. I let them free range together and haven't had any problems but when I tried to put them in the same pen there was trouble! Last year I did the same thing and they were finally able to come together with little problems. I just don't remember how old they were when they mixed together because I didn't write it down. I would say if the other hens are not picking at them severely then I would leave them in the coop together. They will get over being scared and join in eventually. I think the rule of thumb is that they are supposed to be close to the same size as the other hens so they can better defend themselves.

 

[redneck farmer]

Just be very watchful an careful I had one chicken that was almost pecked to death when I moved them in with my older flock

 

[nellynelly]

i have had luck with adding new birds at night, when the old ones were asleep.

 

[roostersandhens]

13 weeks should be old enough for them to go with the big chickens, as nellynelly said you can add them at night. Just set them on the perch with the other chickens. I suggest you put them next to other hens, ever once and a while roosters can be mean to youngsters.
But don't worry about him they should get along just keep an eye on the rooster.
Good Luck!