Introducing Gen 2s with the Gen 1s.

[robbluther]

This is the first time I have introduced new chicks to old chickens. This is a time of anxiousness and worry.
The old hens will still peck at them a bit but the chicks are pretty terrified. I use chicks incorrectly becase they have combs at this point... but still, they are chicks to me.

How long does the acclimation take? I have a split level coop with the covered part up top and the open caged part down below and right now, the Gen2s are afraid to go up in the main coop.

 

[Rosypetals]

It can take a few months, introducing new chickens to the flock is a big thing for them, they have to re-establish the pecking order, and a few may start laying for a week or 2. Just keep an eye on them and make sure none of them are getting picked on a lot. Good luck!

 

[Susan Dye]

As long as the "chicks" have plenty of room to run from the hens and places to duck out of site, they should be fine. They won't be fully accepted by the older girls until they start laying. It's kind of weird, but it changes the dynamics of the flock when the pullets start laying. To me it's kind of like a respect thing Still, you should definitely keep and eye on them to make sure no one is getting picked on too much.