Integrating chicken help!

[shineandrise]

Hello all, we are going to try and integrate chickens tonight... they are about 5 weeks old- I am just looking for any tips. We have integrated before, but they were older than this, any tips are appreciated. I will try to follow the thread when I can. Thanks!

 

[angela hernandez]

when I integrated my two buff orps into the flock they were a little under 5 weeks, we basically snuck them into the big girl coop once it got dark and everybody was asleep. worked great for us and they were accepted right into the flock the next morning.

 

[shineandrise]

when I integrated my two buff orps into the flock they were a little under 5 weeks, we basically snuck them into the big girl coop once it got dark and everybody was asleep. worked great for us and they were accepted right into the flock the next morning.

Ok great thanks! Trying tonight.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Integrating 5 week olds with adults? Have they been able to see each other or spend time together outside the coop before this?

If not, I'd do it a lot slower, see but no touch for a week or so and then setting up panic doors plus plenty of clutter in the run, so chicks can take cover in case adults go after them. Skip ahead to "Early Integration Process" - https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/short-on-time-recycle-a-prefab-brooder.73985/

 

[shineandrise]

Integrating 5 week olds with adults? Have they been able to see each other or spend time together outside the coop before this?

If not, I'd do it a lot slower, see but no touch for a week or so and then setting up panic doors plus plenty of clutter in the run, so chicks can take cover in case adults go after them. Skip ahead to "Early Integration Process" - https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/short-on-time-recycle-a-prefab-brooder.73985/

We already integrated them last night, checked on them this morning and they are doing fine. They have only seen each other once but we have panic doors and stuff they can run under. Thanks so much for the info everyone!