Integrating New Chickens with Old Hens

[Chebird]

Hello!
We have 12 adult chickens in a rather large coop. Last year, we lost about 6 hens. They would fluff up and act lethargic, or we would just find them dead. Vet prescribed batril which saved one of them, but he couldn't figure out what was wrong. We haven't lost anyone for months now.

My worry is, is there anything I can do to help build up the youngsters' immunity? I have them on medicated food. They are going to be separated from the bigs in the same coop. I'm thinking to keep the littles on the medicated food and gradually switch it over to none medicated.

Right now they are in a large pen in a spare bedroom. Should I bring in some of the bedding/sand from the coop? They are about 5 weeks old now, and it will be a while until they are moved outside (temps too low at night.)

Thoughts?

Thanks for any replies.

 

[Sally PB]

Too bad you didn't get a necropsy on one of the birds that died to tell you what happened.

Yes, I'd bring in a bit of the soil that the new birds will be living on. When I've brooded chicks inside, I brought in about a cupful of dirt from the run, and just sprinkled it in the brooder. Then a few days later, I made a dust bath pan for them with more of that dirt.

 

[Chebird]

Too bad you didn't get a necropsy on one of the birds that died to tell you what happened.

Yes, I'd bring in a bit of the soil that the new birds will be living on. When I've brooded chicks inside, I brought in about a cupful of dirt from the run, and just sprinkled it in the brooder. Then a few days later, I made a dust bath pan for them with more of that dirt.

I agree with you on all points. Thanks!