Integrating chicks

[kpollertindy]

Integrating chicks into a current younger flock. I have four one month old hens I am attempting to integrate into 5 month old flock of six. Using panic room method with their brooding cage attached to run via two 4"x8" openings, how long until I can do away with panic room? Younger hens already roosting on higher roost in large coop with older birds. Any suggestions?

 

[sourland]

How aggressive are the larger birds to the chicks during the day? That should be your decision maker.

 

[azygous]

I keep the panic room available until the chicks are no longer able to squeeze through the openings. My chicks are currently eleven weeks old and I have just now shut the flaps back down over the openings since they have been struggling to get through.

One especially big galoot quit fitting through the openings about a month ago. (It appears he's going to be one big roo.) Don't be in a rush to remove the panic room. It's a very valuable sanctuary for your chicks to rest from the stress of dealing with the pecking order. My flock has been especially accepting of these chicks, but I see the four youngsters happily taking advantage of being able to kick back and relax without having to look out for any older hens crowding their space.

It's a very good sign that your integration is going extremely well if the chicks are already roosting with no problems. That's usually the trickiest part of integrating chicks and your chicks already have that whipped!

 

[clickdb]

I combined my 6 week old Australorps and EEs (9 total) with my existing flock of 10 to 14 week olds (10 chickens) today with a panic room. Most of the day was spent inside the room, with the occasional explorer that would make a couple quick laps with an older one hot on its heels. Towards the evening, they came out as a group while the older guys were enjoying the evening breeze in the run, and explored their new home. As everyone settled in for the evening, not too much chasing took place, but the occasional peck kept them on their toes. I went to go tuck everybody in for the night and found to my amazement, all 9 little chicks roosting on the 2x4 directly over their panic room. Too funny.

I'm glad I saw this post, I know I can leave the room in there for a while now.

 

[azygous]

Yet another excellent example of the value of employing a panic room when integrating chicks into the flock. It gives them the security of being able to integrate at their own pace, decreasing their stress level, thus freeing them up to learn new things earlier such as roosting.

Chicks who are in a constant state of fear and stress aren't going to have the self confidence to learn these new things until they're much older.

You are both great chick parents!

 

[Blooie]

Yet another excellent example of the value of employing a panic room when integrating chicks into the flock. It gives them the security of being able to integrate at their own pace, decreasing their stress level, thus freeing them up to learn new things earlier such as roosting.

Chicks who are in a constant state of fear and stress aren't going to have the self confidence to learn these new things until they're much older.

You are both great chick parents!

Oh, I so agree with my friend azygous! Good chicken parents! I don't call my area the "panic room". To me it was just their pen. And I didn't have azygous' neat portal system. You can bet I will next time, though! I think it's brilliant! I kept one side of their pen wired just enough for them to get through but the Bigs couldn't follow. I also have a huge half a hollow log out there, and if they got caught in the open away from the pen opening they dashed underneath that - again, the Bigs couldn't follow or reach them. But I honestly didn't have much chasing and pecking, either. The Littles, and then later on the Tinys, didn't seem to annoy the Bigs too much. Having addition feeders and waterers out there also helped and I didn't worry about issues with the chicks not being allowed to get at the food.

Of course, it helps tremendously to be able to brood the chicks right out there in the open pen within the coop or run, so they all get used to seeing and hearing each other, and it's amazing how much the Littles learn from the Bigs just by watching them. Our integration was seamless this year. I was so doggone pleased! A "panic room" not only saves the chicks from stress, but keeps stress off the backs of the chicken keepers as well!