Introducing new chicks

[JNLVD]

hey guys . I had a quick question for y’all. So I have 6 barred Plymouth rick chickens and want to add 6 more chicks to their flock. I always free range the barred flock at night for at least an hour. Tonight I took two of the new baby chicks out and let them free range around the baby chicks coop to see what the other chickens would do. But they left them alone. I was wondering what is a good idea on how to introduce my new 6 baby chicks to my flock of 6. I’m thinking of letting everyone free range but am worried about the hawks in my area. If u guys have any suggestions I would love to hear them.Thanks!

 

[Chickiemom25]

hey guys . I had a quick question for y’all. So I have 6 barred Plymouth rick chickens and want to add 6 more chicks to their flock. I always free range the barred flock at night for at least an hour. Tonight I took two of the new baby chicks out and let them free range around the baby chicks coop to see what the other chickens would do. But they left them alone. I was wondering what is a good idea on how to introduce my new 6 baby chicks to my flock of 6. I’m thinking of letting everyone free range but am worried about the hawks in my area. If u guys have any suggestions I would love to hear them.Thanks!

how old are your chicks? any chance of a broody hen? maybe out a dog pen out and put the chicks in it so the older birds can get use to them. I have 4 new chicks who were adopted by one of my hens and they have free ranged with the flock for their whole 2 week lives but the their adoptive mom watches out for them.

 

[JNLVD]

They are about a month and a half old but will try the dog pin idea

 

[Chickiemom25]

give the chicks a way to escape the older birds but venture out too.

 

[Mrs. K]

A one way fence works well. A place where you can put them and they can eat and drink, then the fence has large enough openings that they can go out or back in at will. But the older hens cannot follow them. The chicks have a safe retreat, can venture out on their term, when they feel brave enough, things get too rough, they can retreat. I did this with 3 week old chicks and within a week, they were accepted to the flock.

 

[aart]

A one way fence works well. A place where you can put them and they can eat and drink, then the fence has large enough openings that they can go out or back in at will. But the older hens cannot follow them. The chicks have a safe retreat, can venture out on their term, when they feel brave enough, things get too rough, they can retreat. I did this with 3 week old chicks and within a week, they were accepted to the flock.

Well, not one way...but one size, or rather a certain size. I call them 'tiny doors', big enough for the youngers but too small for the olders. Lattice can work well...as can propping a door or gap in fencing open just enough for the littlers. I have tiny sliding doors.

Sounds like you have a good handle on it @JNLVD .....stay flexible, observant, and creative.