Introducing new chicks.

[Wyzers]

not sure if I'm posting in correct forum if not sorry. anyhow we had 9 chicks red sex links from day 1 hatch up to 10 weeks now we are cutting out roosters which left us with 4 hens. Tomorrow we are picking up 4 new sussex hens 9 weeks of age so pretty much same as ours. my question is what's the proper introduction? we only have one coop which is a big 10x10 shed the outside run is a big 25 ft area fenced on all sides 4 ft high. can I just bring these home and put them in? I've Hurd of guys putting new chicks in coop at night so next day they just naturally all come out into run at same time? how do u guys do it that seems to work best. I've thought of putting a wall in run so new birds stay to pme side others stay on other side but what do I do at night I can't just leave new birds out in run as animals may get them thanks Dave

 

[LizzzyJo]

In general with introductions the wall idea is key. It’s called ‘look but dont touch’ for two weeks. Unless you want a live version of ‘There Will Be Blood’.

However with your situation you will need to quarantine your new chickens for two weeks anyway due to disease. So after the two quarantine weeks you will begin the two look don’t touch weeks.

It’s a pain in the a, but so is contagious illness that wipes out entire flocks.

Good luck!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Really best to properly quarantine however if you can't do so properly, then don't bother.

With 9,10 week olds, you might be able to get away with simply tossing them in together, but I'd definitely clutter up the run first, have multiple feeders/waterers, etc. Anything to break up the space and give the new birds a chance to hide and eat without being harassed.