How to integrate new chicks?

[HappyClucker7]

Hi! So, I'm going to be getting 2 new chicks on Saturday. I have a flock of three adult chickens. What would the best way be to integrate the new chicks? They will be 2 weeks old when I get them. Thanks!

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Hi,


I just wanted to share....
IMO: I would wait until the chicks are at least a few weeks older then to weeks because they need to be fully feathered to live outside. Also, where are you getting them from? They might be sick or something, and they can give disease to your adult chickens. Also, the big chickens could easier hurt or even kill the little chicks. I would wait under they are at least 6 weeks old.

 

[rosemarythyme]

What I do is early integration, so chicks are raised alongside the adults. You will need to set up for it, and have enough space and clutter to allow for chicks to run and hide.

Here's my version: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/short-on-time-recycle-a-prefab-brooder.73985/ . There's several other articles along the same vein, if you need more ideas.