How, when and can you incorporate silkies with a mixed flock that are a month older.

[NorthernChick1]

I have four 2 week old silkies in the brooder at the moment and i am concerned about introducing and incorporating them in the coop with the mixed flock when the time comes. I have 8 chickens (barred rock, leghorns and i.s.a hybrids as well as 2 muscovies (who are to friendly and get picked on)) that are a month and a half that I will be moving them into the coop from there other brooder this weekend and I was looking for tips and suggestions on how and when to do add the silkies in with them. I was thinking of starting off by separating a little section of the 7x8 coop and make there brooder in there and have them with the flock but separated and protected so they can ''look but no touch''.

 

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

I would wait at least till 14 weeks though. Then make them start dating. Once they get to know each other and comfortable, usually 2-3 weeks then you can, start eating together, then once they are ok eating out of the same bowl or through a net, you can put them in the roost at night and see how they do in the morning. Here are a couple good articles though.


My favorite is
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/how-to-integrate-your-chicken-flock-the-easy-way.63034/


Here is a good article
https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/how-to-introduce-new-chickens-to-your-existing-flock/
This one is good too
https://www.backyardchickencoops.com.au/introducing-new-chickens-to-your-flock

 

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

Sorry 2-3 weeks is how long it takes to integrate.

 

[NorthernChick1]

I would wait at least till 14 weeks though. Then make them start dating. Once they get to know each other and comfortable, usually 2-3 weeks then you can, start eating together, then once they are ok eating out of the same bowl or through a net, you can put them in the roost at night and see how they do in the morning. Here are a couple good articles though.


My favorite is
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/how-to-integrate-your-chicken-flock-the-easy-way.63034/


Here is a good article
https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/how-to-introduce-new-chickens-to-your-existing-flock/
This one is good too
https://www.backyardchickencoops.com.au/introducing-new-chickens-to-your-flock

Thanks!