Introducing New Hens

[montverdechick]

I have 4 hens that are 3.5 years old. In a couple weeks, I will be getting 13 new chicks (all large breeds). I have raised new chicks before, but never when I had grown hens. I won't have them coming outside until they are 9-10 weeks old. So, no worries until then. But, how/when should I try to introduce them to each other? Any personal experiences you can share are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[KimberlyJ]

I have twelve weeks old and will be getting a few more chicks at the end of the month. So I would appreciate any advice along this line too!

Thanks, KimberlyJ

 

[drunkdog]

seems I have typed this a few times recently

...my experiences is all I can relate since I am no expert...We put our youngins in a growout pen next to the main flock so they can see each other about a week or two before we want to have them mingle under supervision ofr limited periods, then after a week of that we move the new ones into the main flock at night and ofcourse monitor them in the morning but have only ever had minor bullying and posturing as pecking order is reestablished....I have not introduced any birds the same age and size as my main flcok only smaller birds so I cannot say this will work for all situations.....good luck to you...