Introducing new chicks to the coop?

[Isyovi]

About maybe 2 weeks ago we bought 3 8 week old chicks because we found out we had 3 cockerels, not 2 as imagined. They have been staying in a seperate cage in their run. We let them out from time to time to be with the now 16 week olds. We also have 14 week old leghorn chicks but they aren't doing so well with it. Everytime we let them out they will corner them and peck their heads. One of the roosters will chase and peck them (one rooster needs to go anyways). What is a better way to introduce them? Do we just need to let them go?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It takes longer to combine juveniles. I would take it more slowly.

How big is your set up?

 

[Isyovi]

It takes longer to combine juveniles. I would take it more slowly.

How big is your set up?

We have a shed for a coop and their run is maybe 5 x 4 meters? The older ones go outside of the run too and can walk freely.

 

[rosemarythyme]

What does your run look like? Any clutter to provide hiding spaces and to serve as a general distraction? Photos would be great.

 

[aart]

About maybe 2 weeks ago we bought 3 8 week old chicks because we found out we had 3 cockerels, not 2 as imagined. They have been staying in a seperate cage in their run. We let them out from time to time to be with the now 16 week olds. We also have 14 week old leghorn chicks but they aren't doing so well with it. Everytime we let them out they will corner them and peck their heads. One of the roosters will chase and peck them (one rooster needs to go anyways). What is a better way to introduce them? Do we just need to let them go?

So, you have three 8wo chicks.
How many 16wo's?
How many 14wo leghorns?
Did you get more chicks because you had three cockerels?
Multiple males are almost always a problem.

 

[Isyovi]

So, you have three 8wo chicks.
How many 16wo's?
How many 14wo leghorns?
Did you get more chicks because you had three cockerels?
Multiple males are almost always a problem.

4 16 week olds and 4 14 week olds. We are planning to remove one rooster from the flock because he is the least nice to the small ones. The other two roosters are nice to each other and the other hens. The past week has been going well, they are fairly relaxed around each other but still do some pecking when the small ones come close to their food.

 

[aart]

Might need to plan to get rid of another male too...
...that may become obvious once one of the males go.
They are young yet, just hitting their hormone strides.


FYI-PSA.....semantics, maybe, but can be important communication terms when discussing chicken behavior.
Female chickens are called pullets until one year of age, then they are called hens.
Male chickens are called cockerels until one year of age, then they are called cocks(or cockbirds or roosters).
Age in weeks or months is always a good thing to note.

 

[NatJ]

The past week has been going well, they are fairly relaxed around each other but still do some pecking when the small ones come close to their food.

Do you have multiple feeders and waterers? That can help make sure the little ones get enough to eat.

 

[Isyovi]

Do you have multiple feeders and waterers? That can help make sure the little ones get enough to eat.

Yes we do! We also have a bowls of food and water with them.