Introducing new chicks and New co-op input needed

[rosco15]

im introducing 6 new chicks to my two older birds. All are isa browns. I also built a much larger coop and run. I want to put the two coops together for a period of look but dont touch time. My 2old birds in one and the new chicks in the other. Im wondering if i should put thechicks in the new coop while i leave the old birds in the old coop. Then after a week or two move the old birds into the new coop with the chicks. Or would it be best to do it the other way around. I want to avoid too much of a territory issue with the old birds. thanks for any input.

 

[Pork Pie]

I'd say your approach is preferable, since the two older birds will not have territorial claims to the new coop. I'd hold off on integrating them until the chicks are 8 weeks old or so - at that age they can cope with the odd peck here and there. Setting up multiple feeding stations and providing "bolt holes" and perches for the chicks will allow them to get out of the way of the adults. Here's a couple of links that may provide the odd idea or two, on top of the "look, no touch" approach you are currently using.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1126547/topic-of-the-week-integrating-chicks-into-an-adult-flock

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1069595/introducing-chicks-to-adults#post_16276224

 

[rosco15]

Great stuff in those posts. Thanks,