integrating new chicks

[bear7298]

I went and got some new chicks this year and they are about 8 weeks old, wondering when I could place them in the coop with my 6 older hens, right now I have them in the run but separated by fencing so they can see and smell but not touch, been that way for about a week,

 

[Chicken Girl1]

How many do you have? When I integrated my chicks they were around 13-15 weeks old (but I don't think you have to wait that long). The more chicks introduced the less they will be picked on most likely. After letting them see but don't touch method for about a week then I put them in the pen (with the older hens) and let them run around (under my supervision) for sometime but then put them back in their own pen when I left. I did that for a couple of days, you can either put them in there for good in the day time or at night when they have gone to roost (the second option many people recommend). I hope you are able to integrate them without much stress!

 

[bear7298]

I have 4 new ones and 6 hen that are a year old

 

[Chicken Girl1]

I have 4 new ones and 6 hen that are a year old

Just make sure you put them in together all at once. Also there are a few articles in the "learning center" on the subject.