Moving younger chicks in with older chicks

[Ladyrose012407]

Last night my 3 month old jersey giant rooster died . I'm not sure what happened, he was fine earlier in the day. He was in a coop with 2 other hens the same age. The hens seem to be really nervous without him. I am wondering if I can put my new batch of chicks, that are 2 months old in with the 2 hens? There are 7 of them. They have met through the fence, but that's it. I'm new to chickens, I just started in April.

 

[ShellyBlanco]

here is a thread that will be very helpful.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/combining-two-flocks.309474/
I'd say since you only have two hens that are 3 months and 7 two month old, if you haven't noticed aggressive behavior between the fence, I would try it. Just observe them.
Are the hens Jersey Giants too? What breed are the 7 chicks?

 

[Ladyrose012407]

I haven't noticed any aggression, the 2 older hens seem to be really timid. I have 4 jersey giant chicks, and 3 buff orphington. Thanks for replying. I'm hoping to try this weekend.

 

[aart]

Losing a flock mate can unsettle them, but they get over it pretty quick,
give it day or two and they'll likely be fine.

Putting them together might work...or it might not.
Depending on how long they have 'met thru the fence' it might be fine.
Have a plan B.

Here's some tips on...
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

 

[chickens really]

A predator attack?..That will cause them to be stressed.

 

[Ladyrose012407]

Thank you aart, we've just built a huge run, but I'll dress it up with some good getaway places. I plan to eventually move all my chickens to the new coop/ run , but I will move the little ones back to their own if it does not go well .

 

[Ladyrose012407]

A predator attack?..That will cause them to be stressed.

It couldn't have been a predator, they were all safe inside. He had no marks on his body, I'm wondering if he ate something weird. They do get free time in the yard everyday.