Introducing chicks to other flock! When?

[manny5412]

I currently have 48 chicks a little over 6 weeks old.
I was curious to when it would be safe for me to introduce them to my other flock. These chicks are very important and I can not afford to loose more then I already have. I have lost 3 already.

This rooster is currently in my flock that I am referring to. He is not the friendliest.

 

[mommyoftwo]

I wondering the same thing. I have only 11 new chicks with a current flock for 5 hens and a RIR Rooster.

 

[aart]

The safest way to integrate is to house the new birds outside next to the existing coop and run where all the birds, new and old, can see each other but not physically interact until the youngers are the same physical size as the olders.

Then add them together in an area with lots of room with places for the youngers to hide and multiple feeding and watering stations while they sort out pecking order.

There will be lots of fussing and fighting, but as long as no serious blood is drawn it's best to let them work it out, painful and upsetting as it may be to watch without intervening, it's best to let them do their thing and get it over with.

There are lots of ways to conduct integrations and much depends on your facility size and management practices.
I find it best to read lots of other folks experiences and apply it to my situation before deciding how I will proceed.
advanced search>titles only>integration

Good Luck!

 

[manny5412]

Thanks! Your advise was really helpful! I'll b doing just that, housing them next to each other!