Integrating chicks and chicken run

[honeys_homestead]

I have eleven eight week old chicks, and 6 1 year old hens.
Below are photos of my coop and run. The coop is sized for up to 20 chickens, and the run is 20‘ x 35‘ fully enclosed.
Chicks have been in the pen now for one week, I’m planning to keep them in there for another week before integrating. What are some ideas of things I can put inside my run to help the chicks if they need their own space? Any ideas welcome!

 

[SilverBirds]

I don't think you need to wait an extra week to integrate them. If their pen has been in the main run I'd go ahead and let them out and see what happens. The big chickens will chase and peck the new ones so don't hurry to put them away if they do. As long as there is plenty of space for the chicks to run away if needed and things to hide behind. Good luck!

 

[DobieLover]

Regardless what the literature states, that coop is NOT good for 20 chickens. Maybe bantams. MAYBE.
I would open the door to the crate and let the pullets out with the hens still shut in the coop so they can explore for about an hour.
Secure the door to the crate so only the pullets can get in then let the hens out after the pullets have explored and gotten to know the lay of the land.
Before you do that, you need to add a lot more 'stuff' to the run for hiding behind, perching on and scratching through. It's very barren and boring looking.

 

[SandyRiverChick]

For a few weeks my Run is split in half with this temp fence and a baby gate for me. The temp fence has wire on the bottom that is bent up just enough for the little's to get out and back in, but not enough for full grown Chicken. Works great for when I'm not out there and when I am out there to referee, I remove the baby gate completely.

 

[Brooks_]

Regardless what the literature states, that coop is NOT good for 20 chickens. Maybe bantams. MAYBE.
I would open the door to the crate and let the pullets out with the hens still shut in the coop so they can explore for about an hour.
Secure the door to the crate so only the pullets can get in then let the hens out after the pullets have explored and gotten to know the lay of the land.
Before you do that, you need to add a lot more 'stuff' to the run for hiding behind, perching on and scratching through. It's very barren and boring looking.

That is good advice.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Any safe "junk" (non toxic, nothing sharp or pointy) can be added to provide line of sight breaks - https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

Having multiple feeders and maybe waterers as well, spread out, will help a lot as food is a resource older birds may want to guard.

 

[Acre4Me]

We created roosts in the run during one particularly difficult integration. They really help bc it reduces the problems as the littles can be up out of the way. Ours are not that high , maybe 18” above the ground.

Stuff helps- breaks the line of vision. But, no dead ends. So, a board propped up is great, but not in a corner. A riddle picnic table (up and under spots), large potted plant (non toxic, but usually they don’t touch leaves of bad stuff -would worry more about “berries” on poisonous plants), feed stations -more than one.

You have a great space and coop. We run well with a coop “undersized” for the number we have, but we get rid of extreme trouble makers to solve for peace, and we reduce numbers before winter. Chickens can be successfully kept outside of perfect.

Good luck! I hope you have a good integration! We’ve had one bad one, and this year a super easy one, the others have been a range of experiences.

 

[Lor]

I hope it all goes well for you. It seems you have a good space for them.

 

[honeys_homestead]

I don't think you need to wait an extra week to integrate them. If their pen has been in the main run I'd go ahead and let them out and see what happens. The big chickens will chase and peck the new ones so don't hurry to put them away if they do. As long as there is plenty of space for the chicks to run away if needed and things to hide behind. Good luck!

Thank you!!

 

[honeys_homestead]

Regardless what the literature states, that coop is NOT good for 20 chickens. Maybe bantams. MAYBE.
I would open the door to the crate and let the pullets out with the hens still shut in the coop so they can explore for about an hour.
Secure the door to the crate so only the pullets can get in then let the hens out after the pullets have explored and gotten to know the lay of the land.
Before you do that, you need to add a lot more 'stuff' to the run for hiding behind, perching on and scratching through. It's very barren and boring looking.

They aren’t in the coop during the day, they’re in the gated area. They only go inside at night.
Also, I’m aware it’s boring looking. That’s why I’m asking for help but thanks