Introducing incubator chicks to grown family

[Chickaroos]

We have a few eggs in the bator getting really to hatch around the 4th. How should I go about introducing them to the rest of my flock? (13 hens and 1 roo) I will keep them inside obviously until their feathers grow, But im wondering how the clan will take to the new babies...

 

[RonC]

Best in my opinion would be when they are old enough to go outside to put them in an area adjacent to the other flock till they are about 4 months old so they can see each other. A lot depends on the amount of area they have and the disposition of your flock. They may accept the new comers sooner but at that age they will be able to take care of themselves.

 

[donrae]

What Ron said.

At 6ish weeks they're feathered enough to go outside, but they're not big enough to hold their own with the big girls. I've had dead chicks when I try to introduce before about 4 months, so that's now my magic age.