how to add chicks to the flock?

[animallover2019]

i recently just got 8 chicks to add to my 5 1 year old hens. the chicks are getting close to 4 weeks, and the chickens seem very interested..... they have gotten to see each other because i let the chicks run around in an enclosed pen where they can looks at big girls sometimes. anyone experienced in adding new chicks? anything to share?

 

[Pork Pie]

I’d suggest searching through threads on this link for suggestions / ideas - Topic of the Week back-catalogue

 

[Matilda Belle]

I would put the chicks in a separate enclosure in the coop/run, so the older hens get used to their presence. Around 2-3 months old, I would introduce them to the flock under supervision for an entire day and closely watch how they interact. You may need to separate/re-introduce a couple of times until you feel comfortable with them being together unsupervised. Remember that pecking is completely normal as long as there is no blood.

 

[chickens really]

Look no touch pens and introduce as they free range.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Assuming you have the space...

Aart's article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

My early integration notes: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/short-on-time-recycle-a-prefab-brooder.73985/