Moving Chicks in with Older Hens

[r-l-newell]

I have two hens that are about a year old now and I have ten chicks that are about four to six weeks old. When is the appropriate time to move the chicks in with the established hens in the chicken coop? They are already in a sectioned off part of the coop and have been for about three to four weeks now so they see them every day.

 

[thespinningcottage]

They must be approximately the same size as the older hens. Also, it's best if the chicks are not peeping anymore. This is what we did and there was still quite a bit of pecking and fussing as the older ones let the younger ones know who was boss. Good luck!

 

[RAWR]

you can try mixing them now if you want
they'll be figuring out the pecking order, but thats the only violent part of it

 

[r-l-newell]

Quote:
I think I will wait a couple of months and then move them in together. I already had one of my hens peck at one of the chicks when she got into their area when I was feeding them and changing out their water.

Plus I have a seven year old son that I don't think would like to see his chicks be pecked to near death or death while watching them if they ended up not getting along.

 

[cindyschicks]

I think it depends on your chickens you are putting the babies in with. I have one coop of 3 banty roos and 5 hens, and one Call drake. I put 12 6 week old chicks in with them and although one of the hens thought she would boss them, the little Banty leghorn Roo makes sure she stays far away from his babies. Go figure!

If your hen is already being too bossy than waiting is probably your best bet.