integrating chicks

[okefenokeeERIC]

I have 2 silkies (male and female) in one pen and also another pen with 6 production reds and 2 australorps. So we are also raising 5 chicks which are probably 3 and a half weeks old.when would be the quickest/best i could integrate them in with either of the others? The pen with the productions, seem to all be aggressive while the silkies are very calm. Any advice?

 

[dawg53]

It would be best to put 5 chicks in a pen close to the silkies and the other hens for a period of time, maybe a month, so that all of them get used to seeing each other making eventual integration easier. Of course the pecking order will have to be established once the 5 chicks are merged with either silkies or the other group which is your choice. I'd probably put them in with the silkies after a month and observe their behavior. When you put them in with the silkies (if that's what you decide to do,) ensure there's enough space for them inside their coop. Also, consider putting the chicks inside the coop at night with the silkies.
I used to live in Camden county near Kingsland until 2 years ago when I moved to Jax. I'm a diehard Dawg!

 

[okefenokeeERIC]

Thanks! They are a standard sized breed. 3 appear to be dominiques and 2 seem to be barred rocks. So i probably wouldnt want them in with my silkies forever. Just want to make integration the least violent and easiest. I live in Waycross.(ware county) Right down the road from kingsland

 

[dawg53]

Right. You can switch them around as you see fit later down the road or perhaps build them their own coop. I usually build a new coop and pen lol. Good luck & Go Dawgs!