how and when do you introduce young chicks to the flock

[Ariesmom]

I have 2 hens and a Barred Rock rooster that I've had together for 2 yrs now and this yr I decided to add more and hatch some of my own as well. I bought 4 chicks about 2 months ago and just acquired 4 silkies ( about 4 months old ) just today. I put the young ones all together when I got home and with the exception of a little rough play they all got along just fine. My 2 original hens seem unbothered by them but when I tried to introduce my rooster to see how he would react, within a few minutes he fluffed up and jumped all over them. I am new to adding to my flock and now I'm a little worried on how to get them acclimated. Plus, my incubator is due to hatch some babies this weekend which I intended on keeping a couple of those as well. Also, is it impossible to keep more than one rooster? I think one of my silkies may be a male and I really don't want to get rid of him. I free range my birds during the day on our 15 acres ( protected by my very loyal and trustworthy German Shepherd ) but at nite they get locked into a large dog kennel with top, bottom and sides reinforced with wire for safety. Any help and suggestions would be appreciated!!

 

[bwalden]

I have 2 hens and a Barred Rock rooster that I've had together for 2 yrs now and this yr I decided to add more and hatch some of my own as well. I bought 4 chicks about 2 months ago and just acquired 4 silkies ( about 4 months old ) just today. I put the young ones all together when I got home and with the exception of a little rough play they all got along just fine. My 2 original hens seem unbothered by them but when I tried to introduce my rooster to see how he would react, within a few minutes he fluffed up and jumped all over them. I am new to adding to my flock and now I'm a little worried on how to get them acclimated. Plus, my incubator is due to hatch some babies this weekend which I intended on keeping a couple of those as well. Also, is it impossible to keep more than one rooster? I think one of my silkies may be a male and I really don't want to get rid of him. I free range my birds during the day on our 15 acres ( protected by my very loyal and trustworthy German Shepherd ) but at nite they get locked into a large dog kennel with top, bottom and sides reinforced with wire for safety. Any help and suggestions would be appreciated!!

I have read on here several times 8 weeks old is perfect age to add in with older flock. Any younger and the olders ones will kill them. Any older and they will try to fight the older flock.

 

[Rooster76]

I don't have any personal experience with roosters. I have heard that if you have more than one it is best if they grew up together. I think alot has to do with how much space they have and there personal temperament.

Last year was my second batch and had some year olds. They were separated by a fence that the pullets couldn't get past. At about a month old the chicks could get under the gate and hang out with the old ones or run back to there pasture. You might want to try something were the chicks have a safe place while still being around the older ones like that.

 

[Ariesmom]

that is a good idea....I think I'll try that in a few weeks when they get just a bit bigger!!! Thanks!

 

[CorinneP]

I am very cautious .. I never add at any age unless I have a lot of time to observe and I am always prepared to separate .. that means having a second area ready .. I don't really know if it helps but when they are young yet feathered I keep my Jr's in a travel cage on the ground where a lot of the free range birds come and check them out. In my mind they are getting acquainted .. But I may be nuts.