Introducing a new member to the flock.

[Rudkin]

We have two coops. One has 4 hens and a rooster that are a little over a year old. The other has nine chickens that are about 3 months old. We have heard some rooster crow attempts a few times this week but haven't figured out exactly how many roosters we are going to get.
ANYWAY, recently a friend of ours gave us a Naked Neck chick as a gift for our son. She has been in the brooder by herself and she is pretty much ready to go outside. I am very concerned about how to keep her safe and from getting killed by the other chickens. She is quite a bit smaller. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[sumi]

Keep the new chick in a separate area in the run until she is more or less fully grown before introducing her to the rest of the flock properly. This way they can get used to each other, she won't be alone and she will be protected from any bullying until she's old enough to handle it.

 

[Rudkin]

Will give that a try. Thank you!