Introducing a pair of 8 week old chicks to six established 8 week old chicks.

[mrsflood]

Do you recommend the gradual introduction or do you think they'd do fine with some free ranging for the day?

 

[6LittleHens]

It might be dangerous to have chicks free range but I think they will do fine. I introduced two new chicks to my original five when my hens were little!

 

[donrae]

At that age, I just put them together and let them sort things out. Especially if they have plenty of room. Young birds aren't near as territorial as older birds and the new girls should fit right in.

 

[cjpines]

Do you recommend the gradual introduction or do you think they'd do fine with some free ranging for the day?

Have you heard anything about introducing 8 week old birds to your flock meaning they may bring in disease from where ever they were kept? Or did you hatch them yourself?

 

[Mrs. K]

I would put them in together at night. Probably won't even notice if they are close to the same size.

Mrs K

 

[cjpines]

I would put them in together at night. Probably won't even notice if they are close to the same size.

Mrs K

That's exactly what the poultry farm told me.

 

[6LittleHens]

I think putting them together at night is a good idea. They will also be fine if you introduce them any time of the day. When I introduced two more to my flock of five I set them in the brooder and watched them for ten minutes. I don't think the original five even noticed it, they just fit right in!!!

 

[cjpines]

I think putting them together at night is a good idea. They will also be fine if you introduce them any time of the day. When I introduced two more to my flock of five I set them in the brooder and watched them for ten minutes. I don't think the original five even noticed it, they just fit right in!!!

Boy, you lucked out. Everyone says separate them for 2 weeks. Tks.

 

[Cowboyvedder]

I have 15 new hens and 1 young rooster. They are RRR and Bared Rocks. he is an Egyptian Faymouis. They have been house for 4 weeks in a pen that allows them to see each other all day and roost next to each other at night. I want to move them all together as soon as possible. The old hens (12) are RRRs and buff orphingtons and they are a year old. Will they adapt without problems?

 

[Mrs. K]

cowboyvedder - it depends on the size of the new flock. Multiple same size birds, are not that big of an adjustment if there is enough space in the set up. Space issues cause a lot of problems, introducing a single bird can cause a lot of problems, but a couple of birds, spreads out the picking on, so to speak. Smaller birds will get picked on by older birds if they are strangers.

Mrs K