Introducing young chicks to older hens

[mcrich]

When can I introduce my new chicks to the three one year old hens I already have? The chicks should be ready to tolerate 50 degree temps by the beginning of June. How should I go about introducing the 2 new chicks to the three old hens?

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

When you can introduce the chicks to your hens really depends on the tolerance and personality of your flock. My standard answer to this question is introductions should start when everyone is roughly the same size (though they can meet each other through a fence well before then). That being said, I add chicks to my flock when they're feathered out enough to tolerate our temps, my flock is used to me doing this though, and they take it in stride. Your flock may not be as accepting of new additions. An enclosure inside the coop is probably best if you're wanting to get them out sooner. Good luck!