How much space?

[Laci7210]

Once my chicks get out of the brooder, can I put them with my older hens? I have a dog kennel that is 12 by 7 that they can go in temporarily. My hen house is 10.5 by 7.5 feet and the run is 34 by 16 but it slants so it isn't a square. I have 14 hens and 1 rooster in the coop now. I have 31 chicks. They only need a place until they are 4 months old when I rehome them. Do they not need as much space as an adult bird at that age? Thanks for the help!

 

[Judy]

After 8 weeks the recommendation is that they should have the full 4 sq ft per bird. If they were mine, I wouldn't try to integrate them, because the 4 months is just approaching full size, when it becomes more or less safe.

Here is a good thread and linked article about integration, as well as one about space:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/803815/integrating-two-groups/0_20

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need

 

[Laci7210]

Thanks! I will try to find another pen for them to stay in.