integrating 4 eight week old chicks with 5 two year old hens.

[curiositykt]

So they've feathered out and are starting to get let out to roam a little (they are still scared of the grass) so I've started contemplating how I'm going to integrate them in with the rest of the flock. I've heard that you can't integrate them until they stop peeping? Is this true? At what age approximately do EE and Buff Orps stop peeping?

 

[iwiw60]

You have a large age difference between the two...you have to separate them from each other, both in the coop and the run. Use chicken wire or whatever...this way they can see them and them can see they, if you get my drift. This usually takes upwards of 3-4 weeks or so. When you feel the time is right let them intermingle but stick around because there will be scuffles...you just don't want it to get bloody. If it does, back to the separation routine.

 

[curiositykt]

My coop isn't very divisible. I could put the pullets in the run, separated, but they wouldn't have a good place to sleep. Should I just wait a few more weeks?

 

[Folly's place]

I use a large dog crate in the coop to introduce the new chicks; after a few days, the door is opened when the flock is free ranging, so lots of space to prevent injuries. Everything should work out fine. The chicks need to eat flock raiser, not layer. Either feed only flock raiser, plus separate oyster shell, or at least make it easier for the chicks to get their feed rather than the layer. Mary