Integrating younger birds

[lablover]

I have a flock of 5 hens and 1 rooster that is over a year old. I also have 3 EE's that are between 9 and 11 weeks old. While the older flock is turned out most of the day to free range, they have been able to see the new chicks for over a month now. The older flock's run was split in half to allow the new chicks to have their chicken tractor attached to a run. While the older chickens are penned up in the morning, they are only separated from the younger ones by a fence.

When should they be introduced. I know that the younger ones should be close in size to the older ones, and they're getting very close. When I do it, how should it be done? Is it best to put a gentle hen in with the young ones and slow do it that way, or just let the younger ones out to free range with the older ones for the first time? I would be afraid that the older ones would peck them so much that they would not stay near the flock.

 

[hilaryhake]

IF they have only been separated by a fence then I would think they should be fine to just be let out to free range with the others. When I introduce new birds in, I usually put them in a cage like dog kennel in the chicken run for a week or so and then leave the door open to the kennel one day and let them come out when they want. . I've never had any issues.

 

[lablover]

Should I let the babies out to free range in the evenings after the older ones have gone into their coop, or just do it for the first time with the older ones? Should I let the babies get to know the inside of the big coop before making the switch?

 

[ken-t]

If they are that old i'd just turn them out