How do you introduce biddies/peeps to 1YO hen & 2YO roo?

[MareeZoCool]

My hen will be 1 this June, she's been the only survivor since I first started with a batch of 6 hatchlings last year. Yes, I have spoiled her, allowing her to free-range daily. She does come to me when called, as I usually supply nice treats as rewards

I've been offered new hatchlings, due in a week or two, just wonfering the best way to introduce the young ones to my two without a lot of blood-letting.?

 

[TurkeyMountainChickens]

If you can, put a nursery in the coop where your older hen lives. A dog crate would work fine. That way, the birds can see one another and get used to each other without being able to hurt each other. Also, when you bring the nursery with the new chicks in, either do it at night, or provide your older hen with lots of treats so she thinks it's a good thing.

Good luck!

 

[teach1rusl]

I've never introduced new birds (other than a rooster). Everything I've read says that you should not introduce them fully until the chicks are close to the size of adult birds (like16-18 weeks old). I'd section off a part of the current run for them so that they can see one another, but not get to one another...if they're old enough to be outside now.

 

[VerlonCox]

I agree with the other two people here. I can tell you one thing for sure, NEVER introduce them in an area where an adult tom turkey with a little wild blood in his veins resides. That is a BAD BAD mistake that you will only make one time. I usually run some 1 x 2 wire inside of the pen and they get to see and eat close to each other but not get to each other. When they are on up there in size I turn them loose to free range with the others.