Introducing new chicks

[Kristen08hope]

When can I introduce my 4 new Barred Rock to my existing 8-9 week olds?

 

[St3v3n31922]

Depends, how old are the new barred rocks your introducing to your chickens? If they are like 2-4 months old i’ll say go for it but they would be pecking eachother to show the pecking order and they should get use to eachother fast

 

[Kristen08hope]

Sorry should have stated the barred rocks are only a few days old.

 

[aart]

How big is your coop, dimensions and pics would help....
...and does it have power to heat the day olds?
Set up an area separated by wire for the new chicks to live,
then in a few weeks you can let them meet.

 

[Kristen08hope]

Coop is around 10x8 with a comparable run.... I have power out there.

 

[JeannieB60]

I also have a question about introducing new chicks. I have 3 Buff Orpingtons (sweetest birds ever!!) and 3 Easter Eggers ( not nearly as friendly, but coming around). The 6 are approximately 10 weeks old.Been in the coop for a while, now free ranging. The other 6 are black laced silver Wyandottes, 4 weeks old. We put some wire in the coop to separate them, they can see each other but no contact. Its been a week. Thanks to nice weather finally. We tried to introduce 2 Wyandotte chicks today and one of the Easters went right after her. Poor baby. So I guess my question is, how long should we keep them apart? I understand the pecking order, but do not want ant injuries or< God forbid, DEATHS!!!!!.

 

[aart]

Its been a week.

Might not be long enough.
Maybe make some tiny doors/openings.
Couple of different ideas here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

..and, as always, apply the....
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.

 

[Mrs. K]

What you need to do, is set up a place in the run, that is a safety zone. Make it so they are totally separated. In the safety zone, set up a shelter - can be a tote or box on its' side. I have also used a dog carrier, and then carry it to the coop at dark. The shelter needs to be much smaller than the safety zone. Water and feed should go in the zone along the fence. Move the older birds feeder so that it is next to the safety zone. Leave all like this for one week.

Then move the older bird feeder away from the safety zone. Go in and lift the zone fence so that is 4-6 inches off the ground. I will let my big girls out of the run and sit there with a cup of coffee and wait. Eventually, a chick will come out, and if you get a couple out, even better. Then stomp around yourself, so that the chicks retreat to the safety zone. Then let the others in, and let them work it out on their terms.

The thing I like about raising the fence, is that the chicks can get through it anywhere. They really can't get trapped away from a small opening. They can venture forth and explore, and head to safety when they need too.

A lot depends on your flock, as I routinely add and remove birds from my flock, I think they are more accepting of chicks. And there is the theory that chicks are not that threatening.

Once in a while you get one bird that is incredibly mean to chicks. If so, cage her up for a couple of days.

Mrs K