Integrating pullets- big enough?

[Fuhrwick]

Are my pullets big enough to put in with my three full-size hens now? They have been in this dog crate right in with the other chickens for the last few weeks. They are about nine or 10 weeks old now. They have been out in the yard with the other hens several times and I haven’t seen too much bullying. I think the crate is starting to be too small for them now

 

[aart]

Do they spend the night in the crate?
...or maybe the tote behind the crate....is that a heat lamp in there?
Yes, it's pretty small.

I'd let them out.

It's not about size, I integrate chicks at 4-6 weeks,
it's more about space.
Here's some tips about.....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.
God ideas for hiding places:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[Fuhrwick]

Do they spend the night in the crate?
...or maybe the tote behind the crate....is that a heat lamp in there?
Yes, it's pretty small.

I'd let them out.

It's not about size, I integrate chicks at 4-6 weeks,
it's more about space.
Here's some tips about.....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.
God ideas for hiding places:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

Yes they sleep in the large tote attached to the crate. No heat lamp. There is a large coop and covered run and then attached fenced yard they have access too. I think it’s time to let them out also. Thank you!

 

[Fuhrwick]

Yes they sleep in the large tote attached to the crate. No heat lamp. There is a large coop and covered run and then attached fenced yard they have access too. I think it’s time to let them out also. Thank you!

Happy to report all went well and they all seem to be very happy! Although the little ones wouldn’t go into the coop themselves last night and I had to physically put them in there.

 

[aart]

Although the little ones wouldn’t go into the coop themselves last night and I had to physically put them in there.

Not surprising, they probably have never been in there, right?
Some folks close the bigs out to range while youngins explore the coop without harassment.