How long before you introduce new chicks to the flock

[Sally PB]

They posted on article on one of the replies. It is fantastic. It will give you ideas of placing the babies in safely, giving them a place to run to. While the older hens can still get used to being around them.

Yes, that and other articles are what are giving me the courage to get more chicks and expand my flock. I was hoping for a broody hen, but that hasn't happened, and I can't count on it.

The other thing that gives me the "I think I can do this" vibe is the depth and wealth of knowledge here on BYC. And how helpful everyone is. I have seen some threads that are like having your own vet/coach/trainer on your computer saying, "do this next, tell me what happens, and we'll go from there."

BYC is flat out awesome because of the awesome people here.

 

[DoxonFarms]

We use our old coop from when we lived in town as a brooder coop, it was so cold I had the 30 chicks in the garage for 4 weeks before moving them to the barn, after that I gave them a week of look but don't touch as everyone was getting adjusted. We haven't had any issues thus far, one of the young one was roosting with the older gals last night when I closed up the barn. This was 2 weeks ago.

 

[Cindy in PA]

If you can rig something safe in your coop, you have just enough time to do it! I have been raising chickens for several decades, but was never really successful with integration, so I would sell the first set & then wait months for chicks to come to laying age. Raised a batch in the coop last fall & left them out at 3-4 weeks with the escape hatches as mentioned. Some were roosting by 6 weeks. May have been beginners luck, but I didn't have one problem. Good luck!

 

[Mrs. K]

3-4 weeks is much better than waiting the 4-5 months. They will be a sub flock, but they learn proper chicken society from the get go. And with the size difference, it is easy to set up a safety zone, or safety escapes for chicks.

Mrs K

 

[rosemarythyme]

Lots of variations on making panic openings/chick openings. My brooding and early integration article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/short-on-time-recycle-a-prefab-brooder.73985/

Main thing to keep in mind if you want to do it, the chicks can only use this up to around 8 weeks old, as they get too big and openings that would fit older chicks would also allow hens in.

 

[TOR]

I introduced mine at 4 weeks( 6 little ones). They have place they can hide and get away from the large chickens. I also free range. In the morning the chickens go outside as for the new chickens gave them time to adjust to the new surroundings as the the large chickens and silkies are out and about. By the 4th day the little chickens are going outside in their own flock.

 

[aart]

Yep, early integration is the bomb!
Takes some work to set it up but it's well worth the effort.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

 

[jreardon1918]

Yep, early integration is the bomb!
Takes some work to set it up but it's well worth the effort.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

^^^ I agree. We read that article before doing our chicks last year. It was a complete success. Here is an article that shows our MHP in the outdoor brooder and the chicks at varying ages. Brooder in covered run - Updated 7/11 Six weeks.

It was a stress free integration.

 

[Nikuchan]

I start to integrate around 5 to 6 weeks. The chicks have a safe space where the older can't get them, with chick size pop doors and I let them integrate themselves.

 

[Nikuchan]

I start to integrate around 5 to 6 weeks. The chicks have a safe space where the older can't get them, with chick size pop doors and I let them integrate themselves.

How do I make a pop door?