/ Register


  1. Come check out hundreds of awesome coop pages (and a few that need suggestions) in our 2018 Coop Rating Project!

How to re-introduce 3 1/2 week old chicks

Discussion in 'Managing Your Flock' started by KLCRollins, Jul 9, 2011.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Jul 9, 2011 #1
    KLCRollins

    KLCRollins In the Brooder

    21
    0
    32
    Jul 9, 2011
    We woke up last Sunday to find 3 out of our 19 chicks were being pecked on in their brooder. We assumed it was probably because they were all outgrowing the brooder (or bored, or both), so we quickly separated the 3 injured and put the remaining 16 out in the coop with a run so they'd have more room. Now that the 3 are healed up, we'd like to put them out in the coop with the others. At this age (3 1/2 weeks), what is the likelihood that there will be a problem? I've read many posts in the forum about how to re-introduce older chickens, or how to introduce new chickens, but these are all the same age and have been separated for only a week. Do you think it would be ok to just put the 3 in there while they are all out in the run, or do we still need to do some kind of slow introduction?

    Thanks for any advice. [​IMG]
     

  4. Jul 9, 2011 #2
    M.sue

    M.sue Songster

    2,204
    7
    179
    May 29, 2011
    Michigan
    I would say a slow introduction. The red light is still a must so if bullying should occur again they won't see the blood if any is drawn. I think they advise to place them in the coop @ night and monitor them. Good Luck
     
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2011
  6. Jul 9, 2011 #3
    Egghead_Jr

    Egghead_Jr Crowing

    6,466
    1,641
    356
    Oct 16, 2010
    NEK, VT
    With enough space they should be fine. I think your right about the brooder getting cramped. Pecking order will ensue but with more space to get out of the way it shouldn't get bloody.

    We purchased some chicks from a breeder this spring and upon getting home and into the brooder noted one was a but bloody from pecking, they left it alone. At 4 weeks when outside it got mauled again by the hens when all out free ranging. Should call her Lucky. Though bloodied again her coop mates left her alone to heal. Side note: we had to take turns free ranging the hens and pullets for a few weeks.
     

BackYard Chickens is proudly sponsored by