Introducing chicks to a flock of 2

[Wissa38]

Hi,

My small backyard flock is down to two adult chickens and I'm planning on adding 6 new chicks in June. Would the practice of introducing the chicks be any different with only 2 adults?

Normally when I move the chicks outside they hang out in their own area where the adults and see them then finally let them mingle.

I guess I'm wondering if, with only 2 adults, I could mingle them sooner?

 

[Wissa38]

Few other details...one adult is an 8 year old golden laced wyandotte (that I'm convinced will live forever) and the other is a rather calm 2 year old Ameraucana.

I just had my first ever predator attack which took out my other two Ameraucanas, one of which was the top of the pecking order, the other the bottom. Not sure of the pecking order for the two remaining.

 

[MrsSchwarz]

How did it go? I have 10 three week old chicks that have been in a brooder indoors until my coop arrived, and my husband just brought it home today complete with a single laying hen. I’m concerned about introducing them and also concerned about leaving her alone until the chicks are ready to go out.

 

[Wissa38]

We get our chicks tomorrow, and they'll be inside for several weeks, so I don't have an answer yet. From other folks I've talked to I've heard to do it as normal - put them in an area where the older girls can see but not get at them, then introduce them at more like 8 or 10 weeks.

 

[FayoumisFreak]

I would introduce them at 8-10 weeks as you were told. Just make sure to add them in at night. The introduction should be smoother than normal with only 2 adults. Good luck!

 

[NNYchick]

I put my chicks out in an area of my coop/run that is sectioned off with a metal puppy play pen at 1-2 weeks old. As soon as I know they are able to eat, drink, and go under mama heating pad on thier own. In their area is mama heating pad, food and water. The first few day they stay in the enclosure watching then by 2 1/2-3 weeks they are going in and out between the bars interacting with flock but have a safe place to go if being bullied. At 4 weeks old they are completely integrated and sleeping with my flock.

How did it go? I have 10 three week old chicks that have been in a brooder indoors until my coop arrived, and my husband just brought it home today complete with a single laying hen. I’m concerned about introducing them and also concerned about leaving her alone until the chicks are ready to go out.

Be sure to quarantine that hen, to be sure she doesn’t make you chicks sick, since she is new you don’t know her health.