So I have 3 chicks that are about 10 weeks old out in the coop/run. I have 4 more that are about 4 weeks old, and I'm about to get 3 more that are about 5 weeks old. How do I go about introducing them? The 3 chicks in the coop/run are australorp or some mixed breed. The 4 i currently have are all white leghorns, and the 3 i'm about to get are production reds. I really was hoping to just put them all in the coop and run and let them be, but I know that's risky. Any suggestions?
You can start the introduction process slowly by portioning off an area just for the new birds where your older birds can see them but can NOT get to them. This way they slowly get used to seeing the new birds. After a week or so then you can try integration of both flocks.the older flock will be used to seeing the birds and be more likely to accept them into their own flock. Make sure the older birds has a clear view of the newer birds at all times. Perhaps use a wire partition. This way they will be more likely to accept them when intergration happens. Be aware they still will fight for pecking order as this cant be avoided but hopefully this way they wont be so shocked by the introduction .you will have to keep a close eye out after introduced to make sure things do go bad. Usually a bit of pecking can be expected to establish order but if they start jumping on the new birds then you might need to step in. Usually the order can be established with some pecking here and there but if they start jumping on the new birds its going too far. This method has worked well for me and you might want to give it a try. I hope it all works out well for you. This should help ease the introduction a bit.as they will become used to seeing the new birds. Always watch out for signs of extra aggression like the jumping on the newbirds. But expect some pecking as they establish order. God bless and good luck.
Keep them separate until each group is feathered out and nearer the sizes of the larger chicks as they grow, The smaller ones will be picked on until they are all closer in size. Once they are in similar sized then you can bring them together with less issues. Caroline
