introducing chicks to the flock

[greenchickeneer]

Ok. We have nine 2 1/2 month old pullets and 2 little 7week olders and a bunch more due to hatch on Easter and a broody sittin' on 'em now. How do I get the younger chicks in with the older ones and not have them pecked to death?
Right now the two little ones are in a large cage out in the coop. But when i let them out they get pecked, so I don't know what to do, or how to facilitate the transition. And I will be doing this again about 6 wks after our new ones hatch.
Also, what can I expect if our broody's hatch out there? Will I need to separate them or can they handle it with their mother?

 

[Mahonri]

The earliest I put young birds with the big girls is 16 weeks. But most of the time I don't put them in until they are about 18 to 20 weeks.

 

[bdp7150]

i would keep them seperate, keep age with age until they get big enough to defend their self thats what i did . and when they get to that stage put more than one in area with the older birds and watch reactions . someone else might have more to add.

 

[sherrydeanne]

Wait, you have 10 weekers and 7 weekers? I would put them together but supervised. There will be some pecking, they need to figure out who everyone is and reestablish a pecking order. Use your judgement as to whether the younger ones are being picked on too much. Obviously you don't want too much feather plucking or any bloodshed, but a quick tap (or 6) to the head is to be expected.