How to introduce new chicks to an established flock.

[Jx2inNC]

Ours that were much younger were put under the raised coop and had hardware mesh to "seal" them off. They stayed that way for a couple of weeks until they started sneaking out of a kink in the wire. Ever since then, I have let them roam in the pen as they please and there has been virtually no friction or issues.

 

[azygous]

Having a "panic room" for the small ones is key. Each time I get a new batch of chicks, I partition off a very small section of the pen for them, not very big -about 24" x 3' or 4'. I start bringing the tykes out to spend the day when they're around two or three weeks. Or when the weather is around 80 -85.

A few weeks before I plan on moving them into the coop, I cut the small openings into the "panic room" so they can begin exploring the big world and grow some courage. They venture out but learn very quickly that they can run to safety in their little panic room and the big bullies can't reach them there. Their food and water are also in there so they won't be deprived by the pecking order.

Even after they start to live in the coop, I keep their panic room up. When they finally reach a size that's close to the others, and I observe they're holding their own, I then take down the panic room.

It can be something as simple as hanging two walls of poultry netting in one corner of the pen. It doesn't have to be either fancy or permanent. But it will give you peace of mind knowing you don't need to be constantly refereeing.

 

[ellyn]

This was a great thread of ideas and encouragement.