Integrating chicks into the flock

[Theeremmy]

When is a good time to do this? I have about 20 chicks that are 2 weeks old and 4 that are about 12 weeks we’re thinking. We bought them from the feed store so not exact on their ages. I also have a flock of 6 hens and a Roo that are all 2 years old.

It’s my first time raising chickens and I don’t want any of the babies to get hurt.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

Keep in mind, some pecking is inevitable as they establish who's in charge. When I integrated my younger chicks I waited until they were fully feathered and put them outside in an area of the run I could keep completely separate from the older birds. They stayed that way for several weeks, able to see each other, interact through the fence if they chose... Then when they were about 16 weeks I just opened the door. There was some pecking, some chasing... But it wasn't bad.
Make sure you have separate food sources once you do combine, so that there's less drama. I didn't do that, and there was some drama, but not as bad as some I've heard about. My flock was relatively easy.
There are some good articles on here if you use the search on how to do it.

 

[Theeremmy]

Keep in mind, some pecking is inevitable as they establish who's in charge. When I integrated my younger chicks I waited until they were fully feathered and put them outside in an area of the run I could keep completely separate from the older birds. They stayed that way for several weeks, able to see each other, interact through the fence if they chose... Then when they were about 16 weeks I just opened the door. There was some pecking, some chasing... But it wasn't bad.
Make sure you have separate food sources once you do combine, so that there's less drama. I didn't do that, and there was some drama, but not as bad as some I've heard about. My flock was relatively easy.
There are some good articles on here if you use the search on how to do it.

I’ll definitely have to search a bit. I still think it’s a bit cold here for them to be outside, it was snowing the last two days. I’m just extremely worried they won’t get along.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

I’ll definitely have to search a bit. I still think it’s a bit cold here for them to be outside, it was snowing the last two days. I’m just extremely worried they won’t get along.

its been cold here too. All of my girls are spring chickens. Again, they won't. Not at first. In the wild, each of these would be different flocks, and they would be defending their resources from these invaders. Some chickens are more offended than others about this. Mine were pretty good about it.

eta: My original flock consisted of 5 brahmas and the BJG. Everybody (except the hamburgs) else I added to the original flock. I later added the hamburgs, and gave away two of the brahmas.

 

[Theeremmy]

its been cold here too. All of my girls are spring chickens. Again, they won't. Not at first. In the wild, each of these would be different flocks, and they would be defending their resources from these invaders. Some chickens are more offended than others about this. Mine were pretty good about it.

My hens and Roo are Rhode Island Reds, don’t really know much about their temperment but the chicks are Wyandottes, 2 silver and 2 gold.

 

[Lovemygirls22]

I have heard it is better to put them in when they go in for the night. Has anyone tried this? I have 3 i need to put with my 7-8 month old hens. But they are still in the border.

 

[WhatAboutBob?]

There are a bunch of threads regarding flock integration. You can do a search with the tag integration. It worked great for me! I also have a thread where I documented my integration, called Stupid Newbie Question https://www.backyardchickens.com/posts/19445375/

It was about the integration of my 6 Gold Lace Wyandottes to my 2 Easter Eggers.

 

[azygous]

You can integrate baby chicks at any time, contrary to common wisdom, as long as you provide some safety measures.

For tiny chicks, the safety would be in the form of a "panic room" a safe enclosure that has chick-size entrances to prevent the adults from going in.

For older, nearly grown chicks, the safety would be vertical get-aways such as extra perches or platforms that chicks can fly up to a be out of reach of bullies.

When integrating either age group, the second most important consideration is access to food and water where bullying adults can't interfere. Baby chicks have their food and water secure inside their panic room. I've found an old card table in the run with food and water placed on top can provide safe access for older chicks to eat and drink without harassment.

My baby chicks are brooded right out in the run from day-one, and they are safely mingling with the adults by age two weeks. Indoor brooded chicks can begin with day trips to a safe pen in the run when the temps are hovering around 70F. The can handle a few hours away from a heat source at this temperature, and actually benefit from being gradually exposed to cooler temps.

For more information, read this. http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/r...rooder-and-start-raising-your-chicks-outdoors

 

[aart]

I integrate young....but have the set up to do so easily:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/