Integrating chicks into flock at 4 weeks old.

[Blooie]

Told you I was no good at this measuring thing....Ken says they are a little over 3 inches wide and about 5 inches high. I was going to make some smart aleck remark about how that inability to know how big something really explains a lot but

 

[aart]

Every woman should know how to use and read a tape measure....
cause you know some men will tell you that 3 is 6...
course some women might tell you 160 is 130.

Sorry, getting loopy, time for some food.

 

[Blooie]

But...but tape measurers have numbers and stuff on them...little black marks the manufacturer couldn't even make uniform in size!! You're talking to a woman who has to count the dots on the dice when we play Monopoly or 10,000, and who has to PAY someone to be my Cribbage partner!

 

[Pstock44]

I created a new thread a little bit ago cause I'm starting final integration of my 4 week old chicks and mama hen into the flock today. Not sure how to link to it or if that's ok but here's a few pics after removing the divider mesh from the separation fence. All the chickens have been able to see each other since they were hatched.

Mama and #1 hen for a minute through the fence.

 

[sunflour]

I created a new thread a little bit ago cause I'm starting final integration of my 4 week old chicks and mama hen into the flock today. Not sure how to link to it or if that's ok but here's a few pics after removing the divider mesh from the separation fence. All the chickens have been able to see each other since they were hatched.

Awwww, the chicks and mom are precious. Thanks for sharing.
I'm off to find your thread....

 

[Mrs. K]

I really liked the one way gate. I made a small pen out in the run, with a huddle box and two lattice panels. The first day the chicks stayed in the lattice panel, just enjoying the extra space. The old biddies, peaked their heads in to look around. Within a few days, the chicks were sneaking out, but not far from the safe place, and back in as needed. Within 5 days, they were in the flock. However, my flock has had a lot of chicks, usually with a broody hen.

Mrs k

 

[Mikeg21]

This thread is about integrating at a much younger age(4 wks)....
...12 weeks old need a totally different technique.

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.

Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, tho some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

Thanks

 

[Mikeg21]

Thanks for the info

 

[Mikeg21]

Thanks

 

[sunflour]

@aart I love your article on integrating the chicks, and it says if any questions post here:

A question - Are those Welsummer babies? (They look just like those in my brooder.)

Comment - I never noticed the feeders in the pics - brilliant as are all your ideas.