Introducing chicks

[Ridgerunner]

I've never had a rooster threaten or harm a young chick, ether brooder raised or broody raised. I have had a few roosters help broody hens take care of their chicks. Hens can be a little more worrying but most leave them alone.

I'd want them to be able to see each other for a week or so and them turn them loose when you can observe. I can't give you any guarantees as you what will happen with real live living animals, but I like your odds.

 

[aldanfac]

That's a great space. You could fence off a section of that for them during integration. That should help.

Perfect thank you so much! I am definitely going to do that, any other tips to keep them happy throughout the process? I am more worried about my hen more vs the roo he seems so protective over the little guys and he does nip at the hen a bit sometimes too do you think that means anything?

 

[aldanfac]

I've never had a rooster threaten or harm a young chick, ether brooder raised or broody raised. I have had a few roosters help broody hens take care of their chicks. Hens can be a little more worrying but most leave them alone.

I'd want them to be able to see each other for a week or so and them turn them loose when you can observe. I can't give you any guarantees as you what will happen with real live living animals, but I like your odds.

Yes this is pretty accurate with my guys, the hen is more unsure but the roo absolutely loves checking on the little guys! I appreciate your comment truthfully anything could happen but I think I have the odds in my favor lol

 

[21hens-incharge]

This thread has a ton of great ideas to break up the space and keep everyone busy.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[rosemarythyme]

That's a great space. You could fence off a section of that for them during integration. That should help.

x2, and yes cluttering up the run and adding extra feed and water stations that are spread out will help. Gives the chicks hiding spots if needed and spreads out resources to reduce the risk of older birds guarding them.

 

[aldanfac]

This thread has a ton of great ideas to break up the space and keep everyone busy.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

Thank you!

 

[aldanfac]

x2, and yes cluttering up the run and adding extra feed and water stations that are spread out will help. Gives the chicks hiding spots if needed and spreads out resources to reduce the risk of older birds guarding them.

Thanks so much this is smart, I’ll update you all when they are together! hopefully they do good, those little chicks are the sweetest babies I have

 

[21hens-incharge]

I think you and they will do well.
It's stressful worrying about integration.
Adding clutter to the run will help.

 

[junior67]

I brood inside my coop where the big ones can see the little ones. Once I let them out I use a section of a baby play yard (so like your gate) and put a feeder and water in there and put it up on a few pieces of 4 x4 so it is raised enough the chicks can get under but the big ones can't. It gives them a safe place to run to but also a safe place to eat and drink if they need it.

Mt roos last year and so far this year have been great with the babies. I have only let mine out in the coop when I can sit out with them and the first time my roo came in, full size Cochin that is just a year old, I was so nervous. He called them over when he thought he found something and one of the babies was pecking his face and he was fine with it. I was so excited. I have had a couple hens peck at them. Mainly just a little peck and the baby runs back to the brooder and the hen just watches. Lol