How long before chicks can be moved outside

[ScottKelly1974]

I've integrated my chicks with he older ones. The best way is to put them out at night when they are all sleeping. I did this and they did not fight each other. The smaller chicks have been grouping separate from the others, but have also been mingling with the older ones. My coop is bigger than yours and has more chickens. So the large area allows them to get used to each other and get familiar. I previous years I've introduced new chickens at night and the fighting has not been there. Then they eventually grow into a unified flock. The only times I've had issues has been introducing during the waking hours.

 

[feathermaid]

It's a little harder introducing smaller groups than big ones. A larger group, even when young just offers more protection within itself. So with only 2 little ones, they might have to work a little harder to fit in, but you'll have to make some arrangements to allow them to be safe.

Most important is offering places for them to hide or escape that the adults can't or won't want to follow. This could be a piece of plywood leaning against a wall, or additional perches they can hop on. Free range time is a great place because they can spend time together but there's plenty of room to run away without getting cornered.

Also try to incorporate the See but don’t touch method as others have mentioned. A dog crate can work but maybe put it in a corner so the other birds have less access points and the little ones can scoot to the corner without having beaks come in at all sides. Or cover the top with a blanket so it's less scary when the hens land on top. Then set the crate on some bricks or cinderblocks, one at each corner, to raise it up leaving the floor exposed... only the chicks will be able to fit underneath and they can come and go when they feel ready.

I built a picket fence divider with 3.5" spaces. That was their safe place until they decided on their own when they were ready to roost with the big ones. They were 5 weeks old in this picture.

 

[MissChick@dee]

You’ve gotten a lot of good advice. I suggest don’t rush it. Get the little ones set up in their pen within the pen.
Treats along the fence line is also good to do to acquaint them.
I took it real slow 6 weeks By the time I removed the wire separating them they still stayed on their on side like it was an invisible line!
Remember too if what you try isn’t working you can always start over with a different approach.

 

[aart]

I've integrated my chicks with he older ones. The best way is to put them out at night when they are all sleeping.

How old were the chicks?
Chicks and flock have never seen each other when you do this?
Adding after dark can work fine.... or be a bloody(literally) disaster.

 

[TiggerzPooh731]

I to have 2 baby chicks that I am trying to introduce to my bigger chickens so they can stay with the bigger ones. I live in California, and these two are rescue chicks. It has almost 2 mo. since I got them, not really sure what they are. I think they were either 3 days to a week old when I got them

 

[Killer Tomato]

It's a little harder introducing smaller groups than big ones. A larger group, even when young just offers more protection within itself. So with only 2 little ones, they might have to work a little harder to fit in, but you'll have to make some arrangements to allow them to be safe.

Most important is offering places for them to hide or escape that the adults can't or won't want to follow. This could be a piece of plywood leaning against a wall, or additional perches they can hop on. Free range time is a great place because they can spend time together but there's plenty of room to run away without getting cornered.

Also try to incorporate the See but don’t touch method as others have mentioned. A dog crate can work but maybe put it in a corner so the other birds have less access points and the little ones can scoot to the corner without having beaks come in at all sides. Or cover the top with a blanket so it's less scary when the hens land on top. Then set the crate on some bricks or cinderblocks, one at each corner, to raise it up leaving the floor exposed... only the chicks will be able to fit underneath and they can come and go when they feel ready.

I built a picket fence divider with 3.5" spaces. That was their safe place until they decided on their own when they were ready to roost with the big ones. They were 5 weeks old in this picture.
View attachment 1594685

Your coop is gorgeous -- I love the roof!

 

[feathermaid]

Your coop is gorgeous -- I love the roof!

Thanks! I like a light bright coop inside, seems like it's more of a hangout spot than just a bedroom. I used tinted Suntuf Corrugated roof panels in solar gray.

 

[Fluffy&Cutie]

Thanks! I like a light bright coop inside, seems like it's more of a hangout spot than just a bedroom. I used tinted Suntuf Corrugated roof panels in solar gray.

i love it too-i have the same one. and just today i noticed leaves on top
does this happen to you? if yes, what do you do?

 

[feathermaid]

i love it too-i have the same one. and just today i noticed leaves on top
does this happen to you? if yes, what do you do?

Yes, I just take a rake a scrape all the leaves off... sometimes the wind just blows them away.

 

[ScottKelly1974]

i love it too-i have the same one. and just today i noticed leaves on top
does this happen to you? if yes, what do you do?

My set up has a lid I can lift. It is useful in getting in the roost area and allowing stuff to slide off.