Introduction at night, does it work?

[Mahan5175]

I have some 10 week old chicks, and of course my husband got addicted and we ordered day old chicks that will be here next week. I have heard not to introduce all of them till the new ones are about 14 weeks old. Is this correct? Also does anyone have personal experience with the night time introduction?? I know I have sometime to think about how it is going to happen, I just want to make it less stressful for the chicks. I had a neighbor growing up that had chicks and she just always kept them separate for a week by chicken wire in the run and then just let them go on into the flock at daytime. I am going to do something similar to that during the day time and then keep them separate at night, but when actually letting them be apart of the flock should I just let them go like she did or should I do the night time method?

Thanks! I know this question has probably been asked 10439749 times. I apologize. Any advice will help.

 

[bobbi-j]

No reason to apologize - you don't get answers unless you ask.

Night time introductions can be a little less stressful, and you can keep them within sight of one another separated by chicken wire, but when you do finally put them all together, there will likely still be some squabbles. They do this to establish their pecking order which is a very important thing in the chicken world. I would wait until they are close to the same size before introducing them, which will give you plenty of time to figure out how you're going to do it.

 

[iwiw60]

First and foremost you need to completely separate/isolate those new chicks from your existing flock. Why? Because of any unforeseen illnesses/problems they may have. I would say at least 2 weeks or more. Because of their big age difference I would not put them in with your existing flock during daytime hours at all ... yet. Rig up a wire barrier of sorts so that "they" can see "them" and "them" can see "they" if you get my drift. You should do this for at least 3-4 weeks. Give those new chicks time to feather out and get some size to them before you integrate....best of luck to you and your husband's "chicken math" !!!

 

[Mahan5175]

Thanks! Yea I had planned on not introducing them at all until about 6 weeks. And then not putting them together till 14 weeks of age (new ones.)

I just wanted to make sure the night time method was actually used. I would freak if I woke up to someone new... Lol but I guess that's the difference in humans and chickens.

 

[acro1010]

I have 3 White Rocks and want to add 2 Cuckoo Marans. Is that a good idea?

 

[Mahan5175]

Oh I have no clue. But from what I have researched mixing breeds isn't a big deal. My existing flock is barred Plymouth rocks, buff orpingtons, and golden laced wyandottes. But I don't know much about those two breeds. I hope you find someone that has a little more knowledge!!

 

[Mrs. K]

It is really not about weeks or breeds (kind of sort of, some are more aggressive) but it is really about size. I am thinking 16 weeks is a better deal.

Mrs K

 

[acro1010]

It is really not about weeks or breeds (kind of sort of, some are more aggressive) but it is really about size. I am thinking 16 weeks is a better deal.

Mrs K

Funny they are 16 weeks now. That's really good for me.