Introduction to Flock

[Justadoz3nshort]

Hello! I'm looking for great, educated insight!

I have (4) 7 week old chicks right now that habe been in the coop (separated but in plain sight) with my other hens since day 1. They have ate together and slept together in the same coop from day one. I have moved the chicks into a bigger pen in the run with their own house. Is it proper to still wait the 12 weeks to integrate or is the 7 weeks together good enough? The 4 full grown hens seem to show 0 care they are there. I really care about the safety of them so if I must wait, then I will wait

 

[fluffycrow]

You could start doing limited introduction hours without the barrier from week 7. Or you could just try them and see how it goes

 

[Justadoz3nshort]

I have one broody hen that won't come out so I'm hoping 4 on 3 will make it a little fair. I agree I could always keep the pen up and if it doesn't go well put them back until a later date....thank you!

You could start doing limited introduction hours without the barrier from week 7. Or you could just try them and see how it goes

 

[Justadoz3nshort]

Could you describe proper pecking order behavior? And when I should be concerned?

 

[Justadoz3nshort]

I have one broody hen that won't come out so I'm hoping 4 on 3 will make it a little fair. I agree I could always keep the pen up and if it doesn't go well put them back until a later date....thank you!

 

[Justadoz3nshort]

One of my replies to you apparently is being reviewed by a moderator?

 

[fluffycrow]

Could you describe proper pecking order behavior? And when I should be concerned?

Well, you'll have to watch for aggressive behavior. If the adult birds repeatedly chase the chicks then it's not yet time. A few pecks are normal. The pecking order needs to be established, but anything extreme isn't good

 

[aart]

Not sure where you got the 12 week thing.

I integrate at about 4 weeks:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/


Here's some tips about...
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[Justadoz3nshort]

Not sure where you got the 12 week thing.

I integrate at about 4 weeks:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/


Here's some tips about...
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

Everything google search related said 8-12 weeks....it sounded old so I came here!

Your post was very insightful thank you!

 

[fluffycrow]

Not sure where you got the 12 week thing.

I integrate at about 4 weeks:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/


Here's some tips about...
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

That as well. I integrate at six weeks, but it's really up the the keeper