Introducing new chicks to my adult ladies

[jenni22776rn]

Does anyone know when it is ok to introduce the baby chicks..approx 5-6 weeks..to my adult ladies? I have one Roo..and 4 hens that are going to be introduced. My RIR is the boss and does rule the roost..but does it make a diffrence with introducing a Roo to the mix? They are outgrowing the indoor pens...and soon need to be let go in their outdoor home.

This is Gretta Girl..the queen of the roost..

 

[Wild Trapper]

from Ohio

It might help if you can set it up so they can live side by side - separated only by some chicken wire for a while before you mix them. Also, there is a product called Hot-Pick that is supposed to help discourage picking. I have not tried it, but I'm looking to one of these days. RIRs are one breed I stay away from, to me, JMO, they are one of the worst for picking of all the ones I've had. Oh yes, sometimes a rooster can fall below the queen hen in the pecking order and get some serious "Hen Pecking" done to him too.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

and

from Ohio. I agree with Wild Trapper. Good luck.

 

[ghillie]

x3

 

[Attack Chicken]

from Indiana!

AC

 

[NonnasBabies]

&

from Pride, La. you will learn lots here!!

Before you try to intergrate them make sure your chicks are about the same size as your older girls so they can hold their own with them!!

 

[feather and mountain man]

I don't integrate my babies until they are about the same size. I will make a small pen inside my large pen so they can get used to each other before that for about a week or two.

 

[Ema]

from Northern Ontario canada

 

[rockinpaints]

Welcome from Northern Ohio!

Good LucK!