Integrating chicks when using separate coops

[hinsey]

I have on batch of 7 chickens that are about 4 years old and a new batch of 9 chicks that are 1 week old. We are building a new coop and run area that will be 4 times larger than our original coop. We plan to construct a tunnel between the two areas and continue to use both. We inherited the older batch with the house. They were kept in a small run area and never allowed out. We gradually started letting them out and they now free range 80 % of the time.

I have read about integrating new chicks but I am wondering about having them separated in the two coops. I do not plan to let the chicks free range anywhere near the same amount of time until probably next Spring. (But that could change if appropriate.)

So my questions are: 1. Should I integrate them as one normally would or let the older chickens view them from outside the new coop for a certain time period? ( Keeping older chickens totally out of new coop and run ....and for what time period?)

2. Could keeping them physically separated by a fence for an extended period...of approx. 6 months be a set up for bigger issues with ultimate full integration?

3. When the " tunnel" between the two is connected should I let them individually decide which coop to roost in? ( I am guessing they will stay with their initial coops.)

Any additional ideas are welcome.

 

[hinsey]

No ideas anyone?

 

[Teila]

Hi Hinsey

I am far from a chicken expert and these are just my thoughts which others may or may not agree with.

I believe it is difficult to answer questions like these when you do not have the opportunity to see the chickens and their personalities; some chickens are real softies and others, not so much

If it was me in your situation, I would definitely keep them separated while the chicks are so young. 6 months may be a bit long, maybe 3-4 months. It would be beneficial if they could see each other through wire, dividers etc.

After an appropriate amount of time, while still keeping them separate while in the run, I would supervise, free range them together. Having lots of space is always a bonus for integration. When they are back in a more confined area, I would keep them separated to give the youngsters a bit of a break from possible bullying.

There will always be a degree of pecking and bullying at integration while the pecking order is reestablished but I believe the 'getting to know each other through separation' is much smoother than throwing them in together.

I think you will find that when they are finally integrated, they will stay with their initial coops. One of my hens was not able to sleep on her initial roost for 3 months due to a broody and eggs; she made do in the meantime but as soon as her initial roost became free again, she was back there

I have two coops, one at each end of a 'tunnel/run'. Two of my girls sleep in one coop and three sleep in the other.

 

[3riverschick]

No ideas anyone?

Hi hinsey and

,
I am in Ligonier, PA. Well you are right, 1 week old is too small to run with the big guys.
If it was me, tho I have no experience with this particular situation, I would run the birds
side by side in the separate runs/coops. Then see how things go till the chicks are
about the same size as the other flock. However long that is. That should keep bullying
to a minimum. What breeds do you have?
Best Regards,
Karen

 

[hinsey]

Thank you both for your responses. Sounds like I am basically on the right track. Since the older ones free range it will be easy for the two groups to observe one another regularly without the risk of any injury. Then I can allow gradual integration once the chicks are old enough.

I have a variety of breeds. The "elders" are one Buff Orpington, one RIR, 3 Wynadottes, and two Barred Rocks . The chicks are 3 RIR, 3 Speckled Sussex, and 3 Australorps.