How Big a Brooder for 6 Chicks? Or, Alternately, ...

[ElCerritoPlace]

for integration into your flock, I would wait until at least 2 months. They will be quicker and able to get out of the older birds way. That being said it depends on how much room you have for everyone. The best way that works for us is to lock the chicks in the coop, but fenced off from the adult birds. That way they can see each other and the adults can squawk as much as they want to. Let that be for at least 1 week, longer if needed. But that way the chicks learn where home is and the flock gets used to seeing one another. Without the painful contact. My australorp can be very ornery when new chicks are brought into view, but she gets over it. not to say she doesn't peck them when they get underfoot, but the chicks learn to stay away. Just make sure there are multiple feeders and waterers so everyone gets some.

 

[Shallon]

Thanks for the idea of the bricks. I have a few extras laying around and like the idea of them being a nice warming rock.