Introducing Flocks

[jamiebartlett]

Hey All, I have 11 baby chicks now. We're keeping them in a brooder on the porch until I think about 6 weeks. Depending on if they have all their feathers or really outgrow their space.

I was told to introduce them to the older hens, put a division between the two for a couple of weeks, then slowly introduce them in the same room.

I also read Storreys CHicken Guide and it goes on and on about Chicken diseases and to have the baby chicks 300 feet from the hens. At what point are chicks safe enough to be with hens and disease not be too major of a concern? Of course Storrye's book advocates replacing older hens with baby chicks and that's not something I am willing to do this year around, maybe next year.

Anybody know or have hd experience with this? Thanks, Jamie

 

[johnny_smith09]

well it could be a problem but the problem i see is the pecking order. usually when chicks are put with older ones they tend to peck them. well all chickens are different so i dk about how nice yours are so.. do whatever you want and tell me what happens

 

[allen wranch]

It is best to mix them together when they are closer in size to the older chickens.

 

[jamiebartlett]

Thanks, But do you think they can be in the same coop with a division between them like 1/4 inch chicken wire?

 

[allen wranch]

A division would be good. It will help get them used to each other.