Introducing 5 chicks to 1 hen

[meldyrg]

Hello all!

I will have a singular hen soon after my rooster gets the ax and I'm wondering how old my chicks should be before I introduce them.

I'm also concerned about how warm they will be as it's currently February in Iowa and I can't let them freeze.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Where is the brooder currently???
How old are your chicks???

 

[meldyrg]

Where is the brooder currently???
How old are your chicks???

My brooder is about 9 sq. ft. I have 5 4 week old chicks.

Currently they're in my unheated shed with a heat lamp.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Once your chicks are fully feathered, they will be okay in a dry, ventilated coop. I would hold off integrating your chicks in with your single hen until the chicks are as big as she is and put them or her in a look, but don’t touch set-up for about a week or so.