How to time this-moving chicks outside and buying more 15ish week old birds?

[tenesamv]

I currently have three 4 week old chicks residing in a brooder in my living room. I'm working away on the coop and should have it done by next week.

I'd like to get 3 more older hens- 15 or so weeks as I want 6 birds total, but don't feel the need to raise them from chicks again.

I'd love to hear from experienced chicken keepers how you would do this? Would you get the older birds, and get them established in the coop and then integrate the chicks or would you get the chicks out and wait a bit before acquiring older birds.

I don't have a preference, but would like to do it in least traumatic way for everyone involved.

Thanks so much.
Tenesa

 

[cnicho05]

Hello,

From my experience I would establish the chicks you currently have in the coop first.

I did the same thing this last year and tried to combine both groups at the same time in a new coop/run I had built. Everything was working fine until I noticed the chicks could somehow fit through a small gap I had left in the side of the run. Since this happened I was left running around the coop with a fine-grade chicken wire to keep everyone where they were suppose to be.

It just seems like this might help you identify any problems with your coop before you have more arrive...

 

[tenesamv]

I had not thought of that. Thanks for your reply. How did everything go as far as the chickens together once your coop was secure.?