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This is my first time integrating chicks into an established flock. My big coop is crumbling. My husband and I are currently building (design stage) a new coop. When the new coop is done, my 12 adult layers will go in there and the 18 chicks will go into the old coop. Mid-summer I think my garden will be well enough established to let them free-range again occasionally. I'm hoping that the two groups will free range together for a few days and then I'll start moving them all into the new coop so I can tear down the old one.
That is how I've integrated new adult birds in the past. Separate sleeping areas. Let them free range together for a bit during the days, but keep them in separate areas when they are shut up. I've never had a problem. They seem to settle their differences in the yard where the lower ones can get away and learn their place in the flock. Once it's settled they seem to be ok. Wish me luck!