how will they get along?

[ladywithchickens18]

I have 2 Rhode island reds that are 6 months, I bought two baby Ameraucana yesterday they are only 4 days old, there is a lot of time before they can go out but just getting a heads up on how everyone's Ameraucana did with the other chickens. how did everyone introduce them to the flock?

 

[Ridgerunner]

People do this a lot, usually successfully but occasionally there are disasters. Before I give specific suggestions I'd like to know in feet how big is your coop. How big is your run. Information on how they are set up could really help. So could photos. How old will those chicks be when you take them outside (assuming you are brooding them in your house)?

There are plenty of generic type things we typically suggest. House them side by side for a while. Have multiple feed and water stations set up. Safe havens/panic rooms can often be useful. A really big issue is can the younger avoid the older if they need to. That's why how much room you have and how it is laid out is so important. Quality of the room you have is important. There are tricks you can use to to improve that quality. Can you give us more info so we better know what you are working with?

 

[ladywithchickens18]

People do this a lot, usually successfully but occasionally there are disasters. Before I give specific suggestions I'd like to know in feet how big is your coop. How big is your run. Information on how they are set up could really help. So could photos. How old will those chicks be when you take them outside (assuming you are brooding them in your house)?

There are plenty of generic type things we typically suggest. House them side by side for a while. Have multiple feed and water stations set up. Safe havens/panic rooms can often be useful. A really big issue is can the younger avoid the older if they need to. That's why how much room you have and how it is laid out is so important. Quality of the room you have is important. There are tricks you can use to to improve that quality. Can you give us more info so we better know what you are working with?

my coop can hold 6 to 8 chickens I am planning on build a nice big coop this spring/summer, and yes the chicks are inside for at least 6 to 8 weeks if not more depending on how big and if feel like they can go outside.

 

[rosemarythyme]

my coop can hold 6 to 8 chickens

Unfortunately on here we usually read this as "manufacturer claims 6 to 8 chickens but in reality holds 2 to 3." If you don't have measurements then a photo of the set up will help.

Integration takes space, both to lessen aggression by allowing the chicks to run away, and to make room for obstacles so chicks can hide.

 

[Mrs. K]

Actually, a lot of people are having much better luck, in getting chicks out much earlier than 6-8 weeks. At least take them outside durning the day for fresh air, even if it is cold.

Chicks raised with a broody hen, are not kept at 95 degrees the whole time. They are out in the air, and then sneak back under her for a warm up. Setting it up like that makes for very strong chicks.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

Unfortunately on here we usually read this as "manufacturer claims 6 to 8 chickens but in reality holds 2 to 3." If you don't have measurements then a photo of the set up will help.

Integration takes space, both to lessen aggression by allowing the chicks to run away, and to make room for obstacles so chicks can hide.

Ditto All Dat!!^^^

I now brood in coop by a week or two after hatch and integrate by 4-6 weeks.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/