Integrating single chick to other chicks

[Trish1974]

I will soon be separating my cockerels and pullets from this summer's hatches into their own coops and runs. I have one unlucky gal who is in with 6 cockerels. They are a mix of 9 1/2 week olds and 11 week olds so they aren't bothering her yet... I just feel bad she doesn't have a hatchmate or "buddy" I can move with her. I'll be putting her (who is 9 1/2 weeks old) in with four 8 week old pullets that are already together. Do I need to do a slow integration with her like I would with adult birds, or can I just put her in one night after dark with the others since they are so young?

 

[azygous]

I would put her with the pullet group and watch.

What usually happens is one dominant chick will come up and peck the stranger on the head to demonstrate who's boss. It could lead to the single pullet reciprocating, and you could see a brief conflict in the form of a flurry of wing flapping and claws outstretched. Maybe even a clamp down of beaks on combs with a tiny bit of blood. Then it should be over in less than a minute.

If it goes on beyond that, you may need to use a divider and conduct a more gradual integration. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-a-single-hen-to-an-existing-flock.71997/

 

[FortCluck]

You can do the see but not touch method where they can see each other but there are unable to peck each other. You can use a dog kennel for this or fencing or whatever you have that can separate them and they can see through.

You can add her into the coop or wherever they stay for the night while they're all roosting.

I've tried both these methods and they've both worked without any issues.

 

[aart]

Pen them next to each other, 'see no touch', then mix and match.
Chicken Juggling!
....or maybe put them all in a new pen with lots of feeders waterers diversions.

 

[Mrs. K]

At that age, I would not expect a lot of fighting. But if you are worried about it, give her a single chick. There will be a dust up, but it will be one on one, not 4 on one. After a couple of days, add the pair to the group, late in the day.

Mrs K