Lonely flock

[jackandkaren]

I had just 4 Barred Rocks but unfortunately lost two of them quite suddenly. Both to injury not illness. I immediately went out and got 3 more Barred Rock chicks which are now right at 5 weeks old. My two older girls seem quite out of sorts. Is it too soon to introduce my little ones. I really think the older hens are upset that it is just the two of them. They are both very easy going birds.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Your two older chicks may totally change once you introduce them to the younger birds. There is a difference between being "EASY GOING" chickens and chickens having a lack of targets.

Combine both groups and keep your eyes on them.

 

[Pork Pie]

Personally, I'd leave integration until the chicks are 8 weeks old, or so. They have to be able to withstand a peck from an adult without injury. Here's a couple of links on integration which you may find useful / helpful:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-see-but-don-t-touch-method

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1126547/topic-of-the-week-integrating-chicks-into-an-adult-flock

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1069595/introducing-chicks-to-adults#post_16276224

 

[ChickNanny13]

2x CTKen