How do you properly introduce new chickens?

[ChickenGirl555]

I am getting two new chicks in a few days, and I want to be prepared to let them in my flock of six, but I don't really want to just toss them in with no idea what to expect! I wanted some advice since google doesn't have that good of information for this. Any opinions? Ideas?

 

[SueT]

They can be separated by a temporary divider so they can see but not touch. What ages are you combining?

 

[ChickenGirl555]

I am combining two month old (currently) with less than a week old (getting this weekend.)

They can be separated by a temporary divider so they can see but not touch. What ages are you combining?

 

[SueT]

I am combining two month old (currently) with less than a week old (getting this weekend.)

Yes, divide them with something like plastic mesh, and see how they interact. The littles will need their own feeder even when together so they don't get continually pushed out of the way.
There are lots of threads on integration, some about adding chicks to older chicks. Search threads for 'integrating new chicks', or 'introducing new chicks', there is plenty of good advice on the subject here on BYC.
Good luck, let us know how it goes.

 

[flyin-lowe]

My understanding is size is more important then age. I don't recommend putting the new chicks in with the old flock until they are the same size. You will need to have a temporary coop to keep them in until they grow up. You probably shouldn't even let them in the same "area" for at least 4 weeks to make sure the new chicks don't have any health issues that will wipe out the older flock.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

My understanding is size is more important then age. I don't recommend putting the new chicks in with the old flock until they are the same size. You will need to have a temporary coop to keep them in until they grow up. You probably shouldn't even let them in the same "area" for at least 4 weeks to make sure the new chicks don't have any health issues that will wipe out the older flock.

Thanks, we might put them in the brooding box, but otherwise somebody else told me she just put them in with the flock and they followed the old chickens like they were the actual mother.

 

[aart]

but otherwise somebody else told me she just put them in with the flock and they followed the old chickens like they were the actual mother.

Not Likely.

Can you fence off part of the coop and get some heat in there for the new chicks?
I've found integrating young(4wks) is much easier than waiting until they are older/bigger. Key is brooding from 1-4wks separated only by fencing, then tiny doors in fencing so chicks can mingle with older birds but escape to safety if needed.
Here's how I did it.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

ETA: lattice can work well for 'tiny doors'.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Not Likely.

Can you fence off part of the coop and get some heat in there for the new chicks?
I've found integrating young(4wks) is much easier than waiting until they are older/bigger. Key is brooding from 1-4wks separated only by fencing, then tiny doors in fencing so chicks can mingle with older birds but escape to safety if needed.
Here's how I did it.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

ETA: lattice can work well for 'tiny doors'.

woah this was SUPER helpful! We will probably do the same thing except tweak the door a bit. But do you think they'll still treat one as the mother?

 

[aart]

But do you think they'll still treat one as the mother?

No....I do not. It's possible, but highly unlikely.
The new chicks will be treated as invaders of the territory and be attacked.
That's why you keep them separated by wire for a couple weeks,
so they can get used to each others presence before allowing them to interact physically....when there still may be fights and pecking, thus the places to hide and multiple feed/water stations.

 

[andreanar]

Chickens are so unpredictable. They can be downright viscous to newcomers. I would try to keep the newbies where the olders can always see them and hear them but not touch them (after they are out of quarantine).