INFO PLEASE mixing new chicks with older hens

[Reedo5]

How does everyone introduce chicks to older hens an not have them peck an beat them? I have 3, 2yr old hens and 8, 2 month old chicks right now i have the chicks in a wire dog kennel inside the coop so they all see each other but they cant get to each other just not sure when to let them mix together.

 

[Buckeye Amy]

@rosemarythyme @aart

 

[Aapomp831]

Let them interact exactly that way until the little ones are the same size. When you do let them intermix there will be pecking and squabbles as pecking orders are established so you’ll have to keep a close eye at first but only intervene if things get too out of hand. But for now the see but don’t touch method is exactly what you should be doing until everyone is closer in size. Big chickens are not nice to little chickens.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you have ample space in the run, and can set up a mix of obstacles, you can integrate early using "panic openings" to allow chicks to escape when the adults chase them. At 8 weeks they're almost on the cusp of being too big to use this type of set up, but it could still be done.

My article on early integration: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/short-on-time-recycle-a-prefab-brooder.73985/ there's also additional articles linked at the end of the article, with further examples of how to set up chick safe areas.

 

[Pullet Press]

I have a little temporary dog pen zip-tied to a corner in the pen so that the chicks and hens can interact w/ each other, then after around 3 days-2 week, I let the chicks roam around the pen. I haven't seen any overly pecked chicks so far.

 

[Mmfarm119]

How does everyone introduce chicks to older hens an not have them peck an beat them? I have 3, 2yr old hens and 8, 2 month old chicks right now i have the chicks in a wire dog kennel inside the coop so they all see each other but they cant get to each other just not sure when to let them mix together.

I did the same thing. I had them in a seperate cage and once they got around 8 weeks old and were big enough to where if they did get pecked, they wouldnt be badly injured. Mine were outside for about 3 weeks and I would let them out when we were out and just watch. Also try using worms as a distraction and good reinforcement. It will definitely take time but if done right, it will work☺

 

[aart]

I also use early integration, brooding in the coop 1 week after hatch then integrating at 4-6 weeks:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

Still following......
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/