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

[KLCRollins]

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.

 

[M.sue]

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

 

[Egghead_Jr]

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.