Introducing new chickens to established flock

[cawal001]

We just got six new chicks that are about a week old, and I'm a little concerned on how we should introduce them to our four older chickens when the time comes. Any advice would be extremely helpful, as my chickens are like my babies. They have names and everything!!

 

[JenifferHartman]

I use the playpen method. I have a large kennel in my run that I keep the younger birds in for a few weeks.This way you can introduce them to the flock and they can see each other without the threat of the older birds injuring them. I would not combine flocks until the younger birds are about the same size as the other birds so they are big enough to defend themselves. There will be some aggression to reestablish the pecking order once they are introduced freely but if they are being viciously attacked and injured or blood has been drawn, keep them in the playpen another week or so. How big is your flock and do you have multiple roosters?

 

[cawal001]

I use the playpen method. I have a large kennel in my run that I keep the younger birds in for a few weeks.This way you can introduce them to the flock and they can see each other without the threat of the older birds injuring them. I would not combine flocks until the younger birds are about the same size as the other birds so they are big enough to defend themselves. There will be some aggression to reestablish the pecking order once they are introduced freely but if they are being viciously attacked and injured or blood has been drawn, keep them in the playpen another week or so. How big is your flock and do you have multiple roosters?

Our established flock has 3 buff orpingtons as well as a silver laced Wyandot, all about 2 years, and now we have 2 americaunas and 4 buff Cochins. No roosters, only hens (the neighbors would kill us if we has roos). I'm mostly concerned about night time, because we have coyotes, foxes, and raccoons around, as well as several bald eagles. Should we bring them back inside at night until they get established??

 

[JenifferHartman]

Yes if the playpen doesn't provide adequate shelter

 

[cawal001]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it