Introducing chicks to established flock, tips please

[AuntJamie]

I currently have a flock of 15 hens. I plan on giving 6 of them to a friend. I have six 6 wk old chicks. 3 standard size and 3 bantam. I need tips on integrating the new with the old and when would be the best time to re-home the 6 hens in this mix?
That's not all.
I then got 6 more chicks who are between about 2 and 3 weeks old. Any extra roosters also go with the 6 hens. If you get the picture of this situation and have any pearls of wisdom that would be great!
So far I have taken the brooder with the older chicks out to the coop for a little bit. Thought I might start there. Then letting the them out to free range with the hens. Then making the transition to everybody sleeping in the coop. Then the younger chicks...rinse and repeat.

 

[junebuggena]

Rehome the hens as soon as your friend is ready to take them. You'll need the extra coop space in a few weeks. A look-but-don't-touch method works best and is safest. The idea is to setup a separate coop/run for the younger birds, next to the main flock. This way, they all get used to each other without putting the chicks in harm's way. After a week or two of living side-by-side, you can let them all free together. Allow chicks to return to their temporary coop in the evening. If everything goes smoothly, you can move the chicks into the main flock after about a week.
This method allows the adults to get used to the newcomers without feeling like their territory is threatened by strangers. And it gives the chicks the chance to learn the pecking order, so they know who to stay away from.

 

[AuntJamie]

Rehome the hens as soon as your friend is ready to take them. You'll need the extra coop space in a few weeks. A look-but-don't-touch method works best and is safest. The idea is to setup a separate coop/run for the younger birds, next to the main flock. This way, they all get used to each other without putting the chicks in harm's way. After a week or two of living side-by-side, you can let them all free together. Allow chicks to return to their temporary coop in the evening. If everything goes smoothly, you can move the chicks into the main flock after about a week.
This method allows the adults to get used to the newcomers without feeling like their territory is threatened by strangers. And it gives the chicks the chance to learn the pecking order, so they know who to stay away from.

The hens will be taken next weekend.
I can set up a divider in the run. I have a medium size dog crate, the wire kind. I also have two cat carriers, they would all fit with a little room to spare. It's about 52* and has been getting around 30* at night. Can I leave them out all night? They do appear to be fully feathered.

 

[junebuggena]

You absolutely can leave them outside all night, provided they have shelter to protect from wind.

 

[AuntJamie]

I got it all set up. It took more doing than I expected.
I put the small brooder (rubbermaid tub) on it's side. Put the cat carrier inside lengthwise. It fits perfectly. They are doing really well. All the ladies were checking out the newcomers. There are little hiding spots around and I think they will be quite comfortable in their little makeshift home. They certainly are loving the sun and extra room!

 

[Chicken.Chick]

Very helpful info! Thank you!

 

[RyRe2010]

I agree with junebuggena ^_^ I have my 8 weekers in a separate hen house/run for about two weeks. The older girls and banty roo go over and interact with them all the time. I started letting them all out together and everyone does fine Some pecking order establishment here and there, but nothing nasty! Getting ready this weekend to put them all in the big house this weekend! Good luck ^_^

 

[jessg84]

I have 4 2 year old hens and 4 chicks around 6 weeks. For about 1.5 weeks I have been putting the chicks outside during the day in either a dog crate or fenced off area in the chicken yard. 3 of the hens seem to have little interest in the chicks. My one barrred rock who used to be most docile will circle aruond their crate and try to peck at them. Will this stop at some point? Should I try introducing the chicks with the 3 other hens at first? I wanted to started letting them together a little bit this weekend, am hoping to move them out permanently in a week and don’t want to have to confine them to just their dog crate for too long.

 

[AuntJamie]

I've left mine in the sectioned off area of the run for 3 weeks now. A few days ago I started leaving the divider open so they can get out if they want and the hens can't really get in. I have hiding spots in the coop and run. Things were going so well I put the chicks in the coop and locked the ladies out so they could become familiar without stressing about the big birds. I then opened the pop door so the girls could come in and after a while the chicks went back outside and don't seem interested in the coop. I think I'll start physically putting them inside on the roost at night. Hopefully they'll get the idea as I've that second group of chicks ready to be in the sectioned off area.
So far the hens seem curious and are really enjoying the chick feed. No aggression. Just those soft, sweet purrs of curiosity from the hens.

 

[jessg84]

I have my chicks on medicated feed. Is it ok for the hens to eat the medicated feed. The hens get all flock feed, is it ok for the chicks to eat that?