Intergrating new chicks with RIR...

[Malynda]

Hi All!

I have a question on combining my 11 wk old chicks (2 sapphire gems, 2 buffs, 2 barred rocks) to my (5) 1 yr old RIR's. They were raised in an 'in coop' brooder and are doing well. To start the intergration we put in 'windows' so each could see each other but not touch. After a couple of weeks of that we replaced the windows with just chicken wire and so far so go except I have one RIR who tries to peck at the babies thru the wire. My question is when is a good time to fully intergrate them because when I do, then the brooder will go away so they all will have full access to the 10x10 coop and run. I already have the extra feed and watering stations so there will be no competition for resources but Im worried about the dominate RIR. Im not sure if shes just trying to establish a pecking order or just being nasty.

Thanks!!

 

[aart]

I'd have given them access to flock at about 4 weeks.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/
but 11 weeks is bit old now...so....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.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/