How do I introduce 5 week old chicks to 1 year old hens?

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Slowski

Slowski

Hatching
7 Years
May 8, 2012
6
0
7
Hi,

I am wondering how to introduce 4 red sex link chicks, 2 silkie bantam chicks, all are 6 weeks, to 1 year light brahmas? They have been in the same coop, but in their own cage for a month. They have free ranged together almost everyday for 2 weeks. No major fighting, just some pecking. My light brahma girls are super friendly, and actually seem more curious than anything. If a chick gets too close, the hen pecks it in the head, but I think if the hen really wanted to hurt it, it would have by now? The chicks are getting too big for their cage, and I want to let them be big, but I am a "mother hen", lol, and am nervous. Please help!
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Thanks,
Kim
 
Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan :D

I would think that if they are all getting along after this much time, you might try just leaving the cage door open for a few days, then remove it completely once you are sure they are all okay.
 
I free range mine together during the day for awhile and then will put them in the coop at night with the bigger ones once they have grown accustomed to them. They shuffle around a bit and then seem to settle down. Seems to work and I feel like I'm always introducing new ones to the flock.
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Thank you all so much! We had discussed leaving their small cage inside with the door open, just so the chicks could get away from the big girls if need be. The chicks are not helping their situation by chasing the hens and pecking at the backs of their legs!!! Ugh! I love them all, and as I worry about my 4 human kids, I worry about the animal kids too. lol. I think I get nervous because the light brahmas are SO HUGE! They would have ripped them apart by now if they wanted to. I might need a drink when I do leave the chicks in there,lol.
 
They will peck back and forth its normal. I have all different sizes too...large fowl and banties. They small ones are pretty quick so I wouldnt worry too much. Brahmas are supposed to have pretty good temperments too. :0)
 
Yes, and my brahmas think they are dogs, lol, so I think it will work out. They all spent the day together in the run, and all is well. I am going to leave them in with the big girls tonight, and keep my fingers crossed. I will just leave their cage open, so if need be, they can have a place to go. Thanks for the response!
Kim
 

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