Integrating new chickens to the flock

[Fisherfarmspraz]

I'm hearing conflicting information on this when I Google it, so I thought I'd bring it here. I have a coop with 13 mature hens (no roosters) in it and I'm trying to decide if I can integrate my 6 younger hens to the flock yet.

The younger hens are 10 weeks old and have been living in a large dog crate in the main coop for 4 weeks. So they have had 4 weeks of face to face interaction with the mature hens by now. I'm just wondering if 10 weeks is too young to join the flock or not. Much of what I read said they are fine once they were fully feathered, but that just doesn't seem right to me.

Any input is welcome. Thank you!

 

[DobieLover]

As long as you have plenty of room in the run and coop with lots of things in the run for distraction and engagement of natural behaviors, integration can begin as early as 4 weeks. Yes, they are more than old enough to intermingle.

 

[Mrs. K]

Post some pictures of your set up. It helps us give advice. Do have a lot of hideouts and escapes.

I put mine in at 3-4 weeks. They are fast as lightening, and tougher than you think.

Mrs K