Integrating baby chicks with flock

[QueenBean]

What's the youngest you all have successfully integrated chicks/pullets with your flock? I think I integrated them around 7/8 weeks last time and am wondering if I can push it earlier. I plan to have them both in the run with a separation so chicks can get in and out of the hens side. We only have 2 hens right now and will have 4 chicks.

 

[Wezdin]

It really depends on the disposition of the existing hens. I would give it a shot under supervision and if it gets too ugly pull them out.

 

[knobhillfarm]

I started out with 4 this spring and after a few weeks added 2 more. The little ones desperately wanted to be in the same brooder box as the older ones but the older ones were a bit too feisty for them so I kept them separated. I integrated them when the younger ones were 4 weeks old and the older ones were 7-8 weeks old. Very little drama between the groups and they all seem to be living peacefully together. I think the small number, relative age, and having plenty of space probably makes a difference into how easy the integration process is.

 

[junior67]

I had a brooder in my coop this time. They moved out there at a week old (was going to do it at a few days but put it off since I had one that had pasty butt). When they were 3 weeks old I started to let them out here and there with some places they could hide. After a few day I just made it that they could come and go from their brooder into the coop and run as they wanted. I had different spots that they could hide behind or run under a play yard that was raised a bit so they could go in but the big ones couldn't get in. They are now 5.5 weeks old and are basically out and about with the big ones at all times. They haven't even gone back in the brooder to sleep for probably 1.5 weeks.

 

[QueenBean]

I had a brooder in my coop this time. They moved out there at a week old (was going to do it at a few days but put it off since I had one that had pasty butt). When they were 3 weeks old I started to let them out here and there with some places they could hide. After a few day I just made it that they could come and go from their brooder into the coop and run as they wanted. I had different spots that they could hide behind or run under a play yard that was raised a bit so they could go in but the big ones couldn't get in. They are now 5.5 weeks old and are basically out and about with the big ones at all times. They haven't even gone back in the brooder to sleep for probably 1.5 weeks.

Wow, that's awesome. Thats my goal! And I also want to move the brooder outside quickly this time. Thanks for tips!

 

[QueenBean]

I started out with 4 this spring and after a few weeks added 2 more. The little ones desperately wanted to be in the same brooder box as the older ones but the older ones were a bit too feisty for them so I kept them separated. I integrated them when the younger ones were 4 weeks old and the older ones were 7-8 weeks old. Very little drama between the groups and they all seem to be living peacefully together. I think the small number, relative age, and having plenty of space probably makes a difference into how easy the integration process is.

Ah, okay. Good to know. Closeness in age would def help

 

[QueenBean]

It really depends on the disposition of the existing hens. I would give it a shot under supervision and if it gets too ugly pull them out.

I think one of them will be great. The other hen is a bit of a wild card. Will have to be slow and careful.

 

[rosemarythyme]

My goal is 4 weeks. My last group of chicks were "done" integrating into the coop at 29 days old, so 2 days over the goal date: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/short-on-time-recycle-a-prefab-brooder.73985/

Might try to push it a bit under that with the next chicks, but that's not something I can control as temperature, weather and overall demeanor of the flock all affect it.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

What's the youngest you all have successfully integrated chicks/pullets with your flock? I think I integrated them around 7/8 weeks last time and am wondering if I can push it earlier. I plan to have them both in the run with a separation so chicks can get in and out of the hens side. We only have 2 hens right now and will have 4 chicks.

@QueenBean This was a very interesting read. Good luck with the integration of your chicks. Let us know how things progress.

 

[Ridgerunner]

My brooder is in the coop so they are raised with the flock. At five weeks I open the brooder door and walk away. I have a lot of room, that makes it easier.

My broody hens start raising the chicks with the flock at Day 1. Broody raised chicks are different from brooder raised chicks. I've had broody hens wean their chicks at three weeks, just leave them alone to make their way with the flock. I have a lot of room, the chicks do fine. If your set-up is tight for rom it could be more challenging.