Introducing chicks

[Annaafranqueza]

i have a few 4 week old chicks and was going to add some more chicks the same age from the same person.Since they dont have a pecking order yet, once i’ve checked that they are not sick can i just add them in with them?

 

[Mrs. K]

What is your space? What are your numbers? If you add them there is a risk that they have been exposed to something since you got the first bunch of chicks. But unless the people you get them from go to swaps or auctions, I would not expect that. If they do, all bets are off.

Little tiny chicks do not seem to take up much room, but the more room they have, the healthier they are. It is better to have fewer healthy chicks than too many over crowded chicks. And chicks grow fast and need more and more room.

Mrs K

 

[Annaafranqueza]

I have four, wanting to add 2-3. I said after the chicks are checked to not be sick before adding. Coop is a 7x7ft shed with a 8x8ft run attached to it so space is not a issue. I also plan to let them free range during the day. Just trying to figure out if I can add more chicks of the same age ( 4 weeks old going on 5) to the flock since the pecking order hasnt been established.

 

[Mrs. K]

I agree, that you probably can see if a chick is sick, but sometimes it does take time to develop, but not so much in chicks, sick chicks tend to be dead chicks pdq.

I don't think you should have any problems, but clutter, up and down, vertical and horizontal space, mini walls, hideouts, and a couple of feed bowls, could really help make this a non-issue.

Even so, keep an eye on them the day or two you do it.

Good luck
Mrs K

 

[Annaafranqueza]

Thank you for the advice I appreciate it!!

I agree, that you probably can see if a chick is sick, but sometimes it does take time to develop, but not so much in chicks, sick chicks tend to be dead chicks pdq.

I don't think you should have any problems, but clutter, up and down, vertical and horizontal space, mini walls, hideouts, and a couple of feed bowls, could really help make this a non-issue.

Even so, keep an eye on them the day or two you do it.

Good luck
Mrs K

Thank you for the

 

[aart]

Since they dont have a pecking order yet

Ummm, they probably do have a pecking order,
that starts up pretty quick but can be ever changing.
What they will have is territoriality...and they won't appreciate any 'strangers' amongst them.
Best to have a separate but adjacent space to start out with...
...or at least ready in case things go sideways.

And some of these tips would be good to keep in mind....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

 

[rosemarythyme]

With younger chicks I'd probably just risk putting them all together without a slow introduction, but do plan on keeping an eye on them at least the first few hours to make sure no issues arise.

 

[Annaafranqueza]

With younger chicks I'd probably just risk putting them all together without a slow introduction, but do plan on keeping an eye on them at least the first few hours to make sure no issues arise.

I just tossed them in because they are the same size. They all just cuddled together. Saved me time