Introducing a chick into older chickens

[rosemarythyme]

I’ve had 6 birds with no problems. I had to give away three because they were roosters

You're integrating. Chances are it's going to be a problem. Better to be proactive with changes now.

I can add on to the run but we let them out to roam the yard a couple times a week.

Free range time helps but only if it's for a significant amount of time each day. You might be able to get away with a smaller coop, but not a small run + occasional free range. What Mrs K suggested was a bare minimum for run space, I would go bigger if you have room to do so, like 100 sq ft, to allow space for clutter which will go a long way in reducing aggression: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[CKfarm22]

You're integrating. Chances are it's going to be a problem. Better to be proactive with changes now.

Free range time helps but only if it's for a significant amount of time each day. You might be able to get away with a smaller coop, but not a small run + occasional free range. What Mrs K suggested was a bare minimum for run space, I would go bigger if you have room to do so, like 100 sq ft, to allow space for clutter which will go a long way in reducing aggression: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

Like i said i’ve had 6 chickens in my coop with no problems. I only plan on putting one or two more hens. If i plan on doing more, then i will add on. I just need a way for them to get to know eachother.

 

[CKfarm22]

Like i said i’ve had 6 chickens in my coop with no problems. I only plan on putting one or two more hens. If i plan on doing more, then i will add on. I just need a way for them to get to know eachother.

You're integrating. Chances are it's going to be a problem. Better to be proactive with changes now.

Free range time helps but only if it's for a significant amount of time each day. You might be able to get away with a smaller coop, but not a small run + occasional free range. What Mrs K suggested was a bare minimum for run space, I would go bigger if you have room to do so, like 100 sq ft, to allow space for clutter which will go a long way in reducing aggression: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

I also do not have any more room that i can add on. The coop is handmade, the size we wanted, the run also.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I just need a way for them to get to know eachother.

Since that's all you want to know, here's how I integrate chicks: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/short-on-time-recycle-a-prefab-brooder.73985/

I also do not have any more room that i can add on. The coop is handmade, the size we wanted, the run also.

You did say:

I can add on to the run

 

[CKfarm22]

Since that's all you want to know, here's how I integrate chicks: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/short-on-time-recycle-a-prefab-brooder.73985/


You did say:

I can add on to the run, not the coop, i said

 

[rosemarythyme]

I can add on to the run

That'll be key. Coop space you may be able to cheat on, but run space is less negotiable as birds will spend most of their time outdoors, whether in run or a yard.

 

[aart]

Like i said i’ve had 6 chickens in my coop with no problems.

Adding new birds is totally different than having birds that all grew up together.
Integration works best with extra 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.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[Mrs. K]

What you need is a place where the chicks can fit through, and the big girls cannot fit through. Use garden lattice to section off a corner, with a shelter in it for the chicks. Put the chicks in there when they are small enough to fit through the lattice. They will explore and retreat with ease, and your big girls will get used to them.

Or a pallet laid horizontally up on bricks, just high enough for the chicks to get under, but not the big girls. I always have this set up, and often feed underneath this for chicks.

Or a woven fence, just a couple of inches off the ground, again so that the chicks can come out and explore, and retreat to safety.

Good luck,

Mrs K

 

[CKfarm22]

What you need is a place where the chicks can fit through, and the big girls cannot fit through. Use garden lattice to section off a corner, with a shelter in it for the chicks. Put the chicks in there when they are small enough to fit through the lattice. They will explore and retreat with ease, and your big girls will get used to them.

Or a pallet laid horizontally up on bricks, just high enough for the chicks to get under, but not the big girls. I always have this set up, and often feed underneath this for chicks.

Or a woven fence, just a couple of inches off the ground, again so that the chicks can come out and explore, and retreat to safety.

Good luck,

Mrs K

Thank you, this is what i was mostly looking for was just how to get them used to eachother

 

[aart]

Thank you, this is what i was mostly looking for was just how to get them used to eachother

It takes time, there's no telling how long exactly....
...and lots of space and places to 'hide' can really help with stress and injuries.