introducing new chicks and ducklings to older chickens

[chickenmomma6]

I have a huge run, will have to measure for dimensions. I have 3 older chickens ( about 4 months old) I will be introducing my young girls to them soon ( only 4 weeks old now) and my ducklings when they are old enough ( only a week old now) any advice. I plan on having a separate pen in the run so they can see and be near but not actually with each other. any other advice

 

[MissChick@dee]

That’s a great idea! Perfect! Perhaps I went over the top I kept mine separated for a month. It’s kinda like they said “alright already” we’re over it let us out. Be sure to watch for extreme bullying provide “safe hideouts” and trap corners where they can get pinned and picked on. Good luck it’s exciting!

 

[aart]

I plan on having a separate pen in the run so they can see and be near but not actually with each other. any other advice

Will they be able to stay there 24/7...is it predator and weather proof?

Not sure about the ducklings, ducks are usually better off kept separate from chickens due to different feed, housing and water needs. The wet mess they make is not great for chickens.

I brood chicks right in the coop 1wk after hatch and integrate at 4wo:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

Here's some tips on....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

 

[chickenmomma6]

Will they be able to stay there 24/7...is it predator and weather proof?

Not sure about the ducklings, ducks are usually better off kept separate from chickens due to different feed, housing and water needs. The wet mess they make is not great for chickens.

I brood chicks right in the coop 1wk after hatch and integrate at 4wo:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

Here's some tips on....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

thank you for the info. yes the pen I will have them separated in will be completely weather and predator proof. I also have a huge run. it's 48ft by 42 ft by 6 ft so I can put in hiding places and plenty of roosts