Introducing chicks to hens in coop -- Seattle region

[egay]

We are new to raising backyard chickens. We recently moved to Bothell, WA (climate is on the cooler side). Our house came with two hens, about a year old. We bought 3 chicks in May who are now about 7 weeks old. We have been keeping them in our guest room inside, but I believe they are getting ready to be moved outside.

We built them a tractor for the daytime so that the hens have been getting used to seeing them in the yard. We've been trading off having the hens in the tractor some days or the chicks in the tractor. I've also been putting the chicks in the coop if the hens have already laid their egg for the day.

Here is my question: Our coop is two stories, the roost and boxes are on top enclosed. It has a door that can be locked off from the rest of the coop. The lower part of the coop has a small run, but we usually let the chickens range the yard during the day. I've read that when you transition the chicks to the coop, you should keep them locked in the roost / laying area for four days to a week. This helps them learn that this is home. How do I do this so they are locked but allowing the hens to come back to roost at night without having a pecking nightmare? For a while I kept the chicks in a dog crate in the run down below at night, covered with a sheet, so they were at least in the coop (the entire coop closes off so they aren't at danger of predators). Also, the temperatures are still getting down to mid-50s at night. Do you think 7 weeks is still too early to keep them outside at night? The days are mid-70s to low 80s right now, so I'm not concerned about daytime.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[DwayneNLiz]

You should be able to tell if they are cold at night, if worried throw some hay in for added warmth and comfort. You should put the chicks in with the hens after the hens go in to roost, mist all with a vinegar/water solution before putting chicks into the roosting area. Chicks should also have most of their feathers,

 

[RonC]

It's not necessary to lock them inside the coop for them to learn where home is. They are spending some time in there so they should know. I would advise against mixing the young ones with the older ones till they are close to six months old. Usually doesn't work out well. At seven weeks they can be outdoors at night as long as they have some protection from the weather and predators.

 

[ohrealy]

The thing that comes to my mind is coccidiosis the hens will have developed a level of immunity the chicks won,t. Id have some coccidiosis meds to hand and keep a keen watch on the chicks they can lose weight very quickly.
As for the chicks can you make something for in the run and the coop where the chicks can run into but the hens can,t. Cold wise if they,ve got bedding they should be okay.

 

[egay]

Thanks everyone. This is all good advice. I'm thinking that I'll go ahead and put them back in the dog crate in the run, separated from the hens at night. This should give them all more time to grow a bit before we do the big introduction.