I don't know what to do...

[SierraChickens]

Im new to chickens...
I have 4-5 week old chicks, in a couple of weeks I know they can of out side to the coop. But I already have 2, 4 month olds in there. And I have read if you are adding new chicks to your flock to wait till the chicks are 18 weeks of age (mature). But I don't know where to house the chicks once they are ready to go out to the coop as I have only one coop. As I said I am new to chicken so I'm tryng to add more chickens to my flock slowly. But now I have this problem. Does anyone have a solution?

 

[calichicken]

Is your coop large enough to create an area separated within the coop to put the newer ones in? The 2. You have will be able to see them, but not get to them yet. Maybe this will help start the integration process?

 

[SierraChickens]

Well... maby? I let the older ones out of their coop and out in my yard for the day. And then back in the coop for the night. But there is a run aleady attached to the coop that I could maby put the younger ones in... would that many work?

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

X2. Try separating your coop, big birds on one side, little ones on the other. Put wire I between, so they can see each other. That way, they will get used to each other.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

Well... maby? I let the older ones out of their coop and out in my yard for the day. And then back in the coop for the night. But there is a run aleady attached to the coop that I could maby put the younger ones in... would that many work?

I wouldn't do that. The chicks need a warm place to be, being winter. I would just section a fairly large portion off in the coop. You could still let your older birds out.

 

[calichicken]

Well... maby? I let the older ones out of their coop and out in my yard for the day. And then back in the coop for the night. But there is a run aleady attached to the coop that I could maby put the younger ones in... would that many work?

I would think so as long as they have a secure area to sleep at night

 

[calichicken]

I wouldn't do that. The chicks need a warm place to be, being winter. I would just section a fairly large portion off in the coop. You could still let your older birds out.

Great point!!!! Im in SoCal so much of the area has mild temps

 

[Kate E]

I had success integrating two 4 month old pullets with four 2 year old hens over the summer. I placed the pullets in a large dog crate inside of the run attached to my coop. I kept the pullets in the dog crate for two days with their own food and water. This allowed the two groups of chickens to meet eachother without forcing interaction. On the third day I took the pullets out of the cage and removed the cage from the run and I stood nearby to watch their first interactions. There was some slight pecking from the older hens letting the younger ones know who was boss but that was about it. On day four all six chickens had fallen in order and were even roosting together. It takes some patience but it can be done.

I did learn the hard way by trying to force integration before the groups were ready. One of my pullets ended up with a terrible head wound and I was a mess for days with guilt. I learned a slow integration with separate areas was best for me.

I live in Wisconsin where the temps are dangerously low right now. This method may be difficult with freezing temps, depending on where you live.

 

[SierraChickens]

I wouldn't do that. The chicks need a warm place to be, being winter. I would just section a fairly large portion off in the coop. You could still let your older birds out.

I live in South Fl. Do you think it still being around 70-65° out would be too cold. Just wondering because, I dont relly want to change my coop a lot. Unless totally needed.

 

[Seaecho]

I've heard of people putting a dog crate in a run for new chickens, with hay. If you already have one lying around, you wouldn't even have to buy anything.