Introducing newly hatched chicks with 5 year old hens ?

[phrank]

I have 2 five year old hens. Id like to get more chicks. The only problem is, that i would need to keep them together . So I guess what my question is, is at what age can i introduce a new batch of chickens to these 2 older hens ?



thanks ,

phrank

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I never introduce new chicks to the adults til they are around the same size and can defend themselves and get away from the older group if needed by having places to hide. Adult chickens can also starve out newbies so extra waterers and feeders are needed.

You can separate them by wire and let them see each other for awhile but to throw younger pullets/cockerals in with older hens usually doesn't work without someone getting hurt or starved out. Also keep my younger chicks on a starter/grower til they are at point of lay. My thoughts.....

 

[crazyhen]

If your coop is large enough put a wire cage in it for the chicks. Then the older hens will get to see the younger ones and the younger ones will not have to compete. Usually the young ones will be ready to mingle at about 20 weeks. Enjoy. Jean

 

[Katy]

Quote:
I agree!

 

[baldie]

Quote:
This is what I do also. I have 2 dog cages, one on top of the other so I can integrate my babies. It has worked well so far and I am proud to say that both cages are empty (just this past week they all integrated) and they all seem to be doing good.

 

[speckledhen]

You really cant put chicks with hens, as the others said. They will probably kill them.

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

I section of one corner with 2X4 welded wire. I put a cage with the babies inside that section. 24 hours later I remove the cage an turn the babies loose. The babies can run threw the wire to safety but have free run of the coop. I've had success with this method with as young as week olds.

 

[Barn Maid Ann]

I had three hens to begin with. Then the following year we got some new ones. The older ones really wanted to KILL the others at first. They weren't even cooped together. But they all free range, and every morning the older hens would go after the younger chickens with a vengence. We started letting the youngsters free range when they were about 4 months old. It took quite some time, but one rooster finally dominated (and eventually mated with) the older girls. They all finally get a long for the most part now.
I woud be very careful with the babies around older established hens. They can get quite territorial.