Moving new chicks into coop with hens.

[AZ Chicken Mama]

I am new to this site and wondered if I could get some advice!
I have two chicks that I need to introduce to our coop with our other four hens. What is a good age to intregate them into the new coop? As of now they are almost 2 months old. At this time they are separated in their own place. My other chickens are about a 1 1/2 yrs old. Thanks so much.

 

[LRH97]

I usually introduce newbies at around 3 months old or so. It's a good idea to have them in a spot that the older birds can see them, but not touch them. I free range, so my first step is letting the younger out with the older on free range. By the end of the week, (depending on whether or not there are major problems) I put the younger birds in the coop at night. Just make sure you keep an eye on them in your first steps. Some older birds can be down-right vicious to new additions. I've had a few that would draw blood from younger additions, but for the most part my birds have always been pretty good about behaving. Pecking should be expected and you should know when it's too rough. Best of luck!

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC!

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

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.


This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock