Hi--I am a new chicken owner and need some advice!

[RSchickens]

We have regular sized chickens that are 10 weeks old and enjoying their coop and run. We also have 6 week old bantams. When and how do I introduce the bantams to the big chickens???

 

[chicmom]

Well, this can be rough. Can you put the younger ones in the run too--sort of sectioned off from the others? that way they can see eachother, and get accustomed to eachother before you let them have contact. Or you could let them free range together. They will sort of stay in two separate groups, but they will get used to eachother, rather than being thrown together to duke it out! LOL

 

[RSchickens]

thanks for your thoughts! I am nervous about how old they should be before I begin this process! I do have a small cage I can put out in the run during the day--but what do I do at nite?? They are so cute and friendly, I don't want them to get hurt!

 

[TipsyDog]

and

from PA! Does the small cage fit inside the coop for the night? I don't know how to incorporate the bantams with the large fowl, but maybe you could put them together for short periods and watch them for awhile so no one gets hurt! Good Luck!

 

[RSchickens]

thank you all!!! Guess it will be trial and error!!!!! (Hopefully not too much error--)

 

[awheel11]

I usually do a couple of short, supervised visits with the flock i am introducing the new birds to. The best time to officially leave them in there is probably at night when the birds are roosting. This way, the other birds are relaxing and more calm. There will be squabbles as they re-establish the pecking order though. I have a mixed flock of standard chickens and bantams and they seem to get along great! My tiny cochin Sally completely rules the roost though

 

[Enjaytoo]

!

I introduce new kids by utilizing a small pen inside the main pen. Slow, supervised introduction and eventually they all find their pecking order... Again, welcome!