introducing young hens to the flock?

[heather454ss]

My lil hens are 6 weeks old and in a couple of weeks I would like to introduce them to the rest of the flock. What is the best way to do that? I have the young ones in a run outside so the roo and other hens can see them.

 

[Pinky]

Do it on a day you can watch them. I would also do it close to dark.

 

[aggie9296]

And be prepared to separate them again if they get too much heat from the big girls. It's better (and less traumatic to the owner) when they are closer in size to the adults and can get away or hide or not get too beaten up.

 

[heather454ss]

I am not so much worried about my hens. I am worried about my roo.

 

[braddeeadams]

I put all of my chicks in a dog crate and put them in the pen with the older flock, I did this for a few days and then I let them run in the pen with the older ones supervised. There was a little bit of pecking which is normal nothing too serious..This worked for me...

 

[Sorin]

Maybe it depends on the rooster, but 3 times I have introduced new chickens and each time my Roo was the most welcoming every time. My BR and Black star were always the meanest. However. I have never introduced ones that young.

 

[Pinky]

Quote:
I was too the first time I bought more hens. My roosters turned out gentle to the new pair but the hens went crazy!

 

[Shannon bo]

How old can my new pullets be when they are introduced to older hens and roosters