Introducing new chicks

[BowCHICKawowwow2]

I have 4 month old chicks and 3 week old chicks. When/how should I start introducing them? I have tried to put them all outside together but the older ones just ignore the littles. Suggestions? Thank you

 

[aembry1]

What I did with mine was I kept the smaller chicks in a separate coop right next to the larger coop. That way they could all get used to seeing each other. After the younger chicks got their feathers I started letting them get with the bigger birds for about an hour a day, and increasing the time for a couple of weeks. They mixed well.

 

[BowCHICKawowwow2]

What I did with mine was I kept the smaller chicks in a separate coop right next to the larger coop. That way they could all get used to seeing each other. After the younger chicks got their feathers I started letting them get with the bigger birds for about an hour a day, and increasing the time for a couple of weeks. They mixed well.

I only have 1 coop and 1 run

 

[Yep I Talk To Chickens]

I would put them in there with them at night and see how it goes.

 

[BowCHICKawowwow2]

I have 4 month old chicks and 3 week old chicks. When/how should I start introducing them? I have tried to put them all outside together but the older ones just ignore the littles. Suggestions? Thank you

So I took an old bird cage and did this as a temporary set up.

 

[Yep I Talk To Chickens]

Looks good!

 

[rosemarythyme]

the older ones just ignore the littles

That's actually perfect! Best if each group keeps to itself.

A spacious run with plenty of clutter: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/ will help the chicks hide from the older ones in case they do get chased during the day. Aim to have some spaces sized so only the little ones can squeeze in, in case they get chased and the chase doesn't break off.

 

[aart]

Looks pretty good.
After a week like that, prop open the cage door so the chicks can get in and out but the older birds can't get in.

 

[BowCHICKawowwow2]

That's actually perfect! Best if each group keeps to itself.

A spacious run with plenty of clutter: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/ will help the chicks hide from the older ones in case they do get chased during the day. Aim to have some spaces sized so only the little ones can squeeze in, in case they get chased and the chase doesn't break off.

Oh great ideas!!

 

[drinkoj]

Integration Bible:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-coop-brooder-and-integration.74591/

Used a hamster cage, dog pen wall surrounding the cage, and lifted the dog pen walls up about 3 to 4" so the younger chicks could go out to mingle but still escape back if needed. Waited a week or so before I lifted the pen, so everyone got to know each other first.