Integrating new chicks

[Mamatomany123]

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.


It won't get any easier.

My last batch of chicks spoiled me they integrated so smoothly. I'll see what I can get together in the next few days. Today and tomorrow are in the high 70s. Thursday is back down to the 30s

 

[Mrs. K]

Lock your big girls either in the coop or out in your yard, put the chicks in the run. Let them run all over and explore. Then several times durning the day, go out there and give them a mock chase, so that they find the hideouts, the safety zones.

In several places, put up situations where as a bigger hen can chase a chick, but cannot follow. Beware of setting up a trap, where a chick can get caught away from an opening. Personally I like something just a few inches off the ground that can be approached from any side. Taking a pallet and putting it just a couple of inches off the ground will work. Lattice fencing will work, those white plumbing tubes will work, say a 6-8 inch tube.

Then the next day, late in the afternoon, let the big girls in except the mean one. Leave her out. Let the milder hens and chicks work this out for a few days. Then add the mean one in under supervision. By this time, the chicks will have learned how to get out of the way, and when to quit irritating their elders, and where good places are to escape. And they will be able to out run her.

Mrs K

 

[Mamatomany123]

Lock your big girls either in the coop or out in your yard, put the chicks in the run. Let them run all over and explore. Then several times durning the day, go out there and give them a mock chase, so that they find the hideouts, the safety zones.

In several places, put up situations where as a bigger hen can chase a chick, but cannot follow. Beware of setting up a trap, where a chick can get caught away from an opening. Personally I like something just a few inches off the ground that can be approached from any side. Taking a pallet and putting it just a couple of inches off the ground will work. Lattice fencing will work, those white plumbing tubes will work, say a 6-8 inch tube.

Then the next day, late in the afternoon, let the big girls in except the mean one. Leave her out. Let the milder hens and chicks work this out for a few days. Then add the mean one in under supervision. By this time, the chicks will have learned how to get out of the way, and when to quit irritating their elders, and where good places are to escape. And they will be able to out run her.

Mrs K

Good idea with the pallet. Fudnt think about that. I have one in there now that I can use. I know for sure my 1 year olds would do best with them. The dont seem too fazed by them. My 6 month old sexlink are interested but just 1 is on a mission to kill. I did let the big girls free range while the littles had the run to themselves but didnt "chase"them. Definitely something I'll start practicing with them. Il probably put the pallet in the middle of the run to make it easier. Maybe oi n some bricks. Let me see how high that lifts it

 

[Mamatomany123]

Would this work? Big chickens definitely cant get under. Babies should but I'll test tomorrow while the big ones free range. I have this pallet but I think the slates are to wide and a big one can peck in them.

 

[kajetanwycz]

How old are the little ones?

 

[Mamatomany123]

How old are the little ones?

From the age she told me they should be around 5 weeks. So anywhere between 3 and 5 weeks. By the way they look closer to 5.

 

[kajetanwycz]

How old are the bigger hens?

 

[Mamatomany123]

How old are the bigger hens?

7 are 1 year old and 4 are 8 months

 

[Mrs. K]

I don't think it is wide enough. I think an old biddy could get her head underneath that board and reach them.

 

[Mamatomany123]

I don't think it is wide enough. I think an old biddy could get her head underneath that board and reach them.

Ok, I reevaluate tomorrow. Maybe I can add an old piece of plywood onto of the pallet