My chicks

[Sarahnz]

I have had 3 adult chickens now for alittle over 5 months and I love them, the exciting bit of new is I got 3 silkie chicks on Saturday. I'm keeping them in the garage under a lamp at the moment as they are only 4 weeks old.

They are super cute. Any ideas how I should introduce them to the flock when they are old enough?

Sarah

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Hi Sarah, I'm Sarah too!!

Your cuties are precious! Enjoy them.

The best way to introduce is the "see but don't touch" method. This involves placing a barrier in between the two groups of chickens so they can't peck and fight but still can meet each other.

Here's a link on how to do that.
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2011/06/integrating-new-flock-members-playpen.html

Good luck and welcome to BYC!

 

[Sarahnz]

Thanks Sarah

 

[Sarahnz]

Update my baby. Chicks are apprx 7 weeks old and have doubled in size. I've currently got them in a huge cardboard box ( 5ftby2ft) in the garage under a lamp.

I've brought a small a frame house and run for them to live in until they are big enough to go into my hen house with the established hens.

I have a questions,
when should I move them outside, spring starts here September (Auckland)?

 

[Mountain Peeps]

They grow so fast, don't they?! Glad they are doing well!

They have to be fully feathered before they can go outside permanently. But they can go on field trips each day. 8-12 weeks is the best time to move them out.

 

[whittychick]

I agree with mountain peeps...I transferred mine at 8-9 weeks and added them in at night time. In the am everyone was just fine, it was like the chicks had been there for months! Good luck! You can also add treats and distractions in when integrating them.

 

[Sarahnz]

Thanks for all the advice. I love this site.

Today was there first day the chicks were outside. I brought them a temporary home and placed next to the chook run.

They love being outside, the big girls in the run got very vocal but have settled down.

My plan is for them to stay in their temporary home for a few weeks were the bigs girls can see them and vice versa before moving them into the hen house.

My chicks are adorable.

Sarah x

 

[whittychick]

Thanks for all the advice. I love this site.

Today was there first day the chicks were outside. I brought them a temporary home and placed next to the chook run.

They love being outside, the big girls in the run got very vocal but have settled down.

My plan is for them to stay in their temporary home for a few weeks were the bigs girls can see them and vice versa before moving them into the hen house.

My chicks are adorable.

Sarah x

Awesome!! Mine were out too today!

 

[Sarahnz]

They are so cute wittychick

 

[whittychick]

They are so cute wittychick

Thank you!!