Introduction to existing flock

[EiGuy]

I have a flock of 8 old hens, and 6 new ones (7 weeks old). I recently cross-fenced the run and put a little doghouse in to serve as a coop for the youngsters, with the idea that they would introduce themselves through the wire for a while. My daughter wonders why I don't take one of the old hens and put her in with the babies? Rather than putting the babies in with the old ones. Any thoughts?

 

[JLS]

I am going to be facing the same situation soon. A freind of mine, who has owned chickens for many years, told me how she introduces the new chicks w/ the existing flock:

She raises them in the coop - seperated by wire - so that everyone gets used to each other. After quite a few weeks when the chicks are big enough, she will lock the older birds outside the coop (just before dusk). Then she lets the youngsters into the coop to find a roosting spot. Then she lets the older ones back in so they can roost.

She said that she's never had a problem with this approach. I already have my little ones in the coop (seperated by wire) for a few weeks now. But I think they're too small still to hold their own (6 weeks old). I will keep them seperate for quite a few weeks still. I hope it will work well.

 

[chicksbestfriend]

Quote:
This is good I advice, I do the same thing and works like a charm. The only difference in the actual introduction with my flock, I place the new girls up on the roosts with the big gals after they have fallen asleep.