introducing chicks

[mamaconoyer]

I have a question. I have a flock of 14 chicks that are 8 weeks old and a flock of 16 that are 5 weeks old. When can I put them together?

 

[Everlina Chooks]

Well I am a complete newbie but I was told, by the store I got my chicks, that you can not introduce new chickens to a flock. I was very surprised to hear this so let's see what the more experienced have to say!

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, mamaconoyer, and

! Pleased you joined us! I think you will be okay with the introductions as there isn't a huge age difference and the numbers of birds are large in both groups. If you were putting a single or two 5 week old birds in with a flock of 8 week old I think there would be trouble. Maybe instead of putting the young in with the older, put the older, a few at a time, in with the younger? Really I think with only 3 weeks in difference this won't be an issue. The biggest challenge is when you are introducing young pullets in with established hens. But yours are all still chicks. Best of luck to you!

 

[mamaconoyer]

Thank you so much. It seems like they are getting along great.

 

[bill54]

I have 2 hens about 14 months old. I have 2 chicks about 2 weeks old. When do I but them together and what is the best way to do it

 

[drumstick diva]

:Your hens are much older than the chicks. I would keep them separated until the chicks are nearly as big as the hens.