Integrating new chicks

[Mamatomany123]

I have 4 4 week old chicks. I have been brooding them in the coop since day 1. We did this with our last batch of chicks and integration went really well. Wel, I just let the babies out into the run in a dog crate and 1 of my sexlinks was determined to get to them and kill them. All of the others (11 in total) were looking and checking them out but this 1 sexlink was throwing herself into the crate and trying to shove her head through the bars to get to them. Help. I dont know what her problem is but she wouldnt let up. Maybe she just hasnt noticed them in the coop? I dont know but I worry when I start letting them have access to the run that she will kill them.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Since chickens spend most of their time in the run during the day, she might not have seen them enough to get used to them... or it's confusing her that they're suddenly outside when they were inside before.

I'd make sure that she cannot get to them through the crate (depending on size of openings) and then plan on giving her extra time to check out the chicks in their safe enclosure in the run, until she's less reactive, before considering letting the chicks out.

 

[Mamatomany123]

Since chickens spend most of their time in the run during the day, she might not have seen them enough to get used to them... or it's confusing her that they're suddenly outside when they were inside before.

I'd make sure that she cannot get to them through the crate (depending on size of openings) and then plan on giving her extra time to check out the chicks in their safe enclosure in the run, until she's less reactive, before considering letting the chicks out.

That's what I was thinking. Maybe she just hasnt seen them enough. I'm going to section iff part of the run with some hardware cloth I have to allow the younger ones in there. That was she can she them but not get to them. The babies were stil able to fit their heads through the bars and she grabbed one in a biting fashion. I just put them up after that.

 

[aart]

You could always put her in a crate for a little time out.
Is she the low bird in the flock?
They tend to be them most aggressive with new birds,
either to protect their place in the pecking order,
or just jubilant to have someone lower to beat upon.

 

[Mamatomany123]

You could always put her in a crate for a little time out.
Is she the low bird in the flock?
They tend to be them most aggressive with new birds,
either to protect their place in the pecking order,
or just jubilant to have someone lower to beat upon.

Shes not the lowest. Somewhere in the middle. I am noticing she is starting to become "aggressive". I just went out to bring their food and she was flying up at me pecking. Not sure what's going on. Shes always been a bit more bolder than the others but nothing like this.

 

[Mamatomany123]

Ok, I've moved them to the front of the coop instead of the back. I think the bigger girls didnt even realize they were there because they are super curious right now. Lined the crate with hardware cloth so babies cant poke.their.heads through and big meany can get her beak through. Gave the babies a little roost and they are all using it. Fingers crossed this makes.it easier after on.

 

[Auntiejessi3]

 

[aart]

Ok, I've moved them to the front of the coop instead of the back. I think the bigger girls didnt even realize they were there because they are super curious right now. Lined the crate with hardware cloth so babies cant poke.their.heads through and big meany can get her beak through. Gave the babies a little roost and they are all using it. Fingers crossed this makes.it easier after on.

Got pics?
What's the plan for 'tiny doors'?

 

[Mamatomany123]

Got pics?
What's the plan for 'tiny doors'?

No pictures right now. I'll try to remember when I go back out. Not sure yet on the door. For now I just have the bottom removed from the crate but am keeping the crate closed. Maybe I can rig something up door wise. I'm a bit worried that the babies will wonder too far and get lost back to their "shelter"if the big one starts chasing them. 5 week old chicks look super tiny is a 35x20 run debating if I should wait until they're closer to full size before fully integrating. Obviously have plenty of space to close off a section for them if needed. I brooded the last batch in the front and integration went ready well. A baby even escaped somehow one time and the big ones paid no mind. I put these ones towards the back because the from is under 2 windows and next to the main door. Our weather was horrible last week but this week we are warmer.

 

[aart]

Maybe I can rig something up door wise. I'm a bit worried that the babies will wonder too far and get lost back to their "shelter"if the big one starts chasing them.

You could brace the door open just enough for the littles.
Maybe even rig a 'run' of 2x4 fencing around the crate until the get the door down part good, that's what I've done in the past.

debating if I should wait until they're closer to full size before fully integrating.

It won't get any easier.