Need advice!

[Tgallaher1]

I have some chicks that are about 6 weeks old, all raised together. They were just put out in their new coop and run last week. I have a friend who has 3 hens she wants to give me that are about 6 months old, just began laying. I'm trying to minimize any problems, will the younger chickens still have an adverse reaction to new older hens being introduced into the flock?? Thanks for any advice in advance!!

 

[Pork Pie]

You may wish to consider quarantining the new arrivals first.
How many chicks do you have and what is the size of your coop and run? I'd suggest waiting a few weeks before physically introducing the chicks to the new adults. This does not mean that you cannot begin the non-physical introduction prior to that. Here's some links that may help on integration - feel free to pick ideas that suit you and your set-up from any / all.

http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-see-but-don-t-touch-method

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1126547/topic-of-the-week-integrating-chicks-into-an-adult-flock

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1069595/introducing-chicks-to-adults#post_16276224

 

[Tgallaher1]

You may wish to consider quarantining the new arrivals first.
How many chicks do you have and what is the size of your coop and run? I'd suggest waiting a few weeks before physically introducing the chicks to the new adults. This does not mean that you cannot begin the non-physical introduction prior to that. Here's some links that may help on integration - feel free to pick ideas that suit you and your set-up from any / all.

http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-see-but-don-t-touch-method

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1126547/topic-of-the-week-integrating-chicks-into-an-adult-flock

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1069595/introducing-chicks-to-adults#post_16276224

Do i need to quarantine even if I know where and whom theyve come from? I have 6 plus a roo (same age, raised with chicks, came from a pullet run....somebody didnt have their coffe at the sexing desk apparently). And the coop and run are 70 sq feet of space.

 

[Tgallaher1]

You may wish to consider quarantining the new arrivals first.
How many chicks do you have and what is the size of your coop and run? I'd suggest waiting a few weeks before physically introducing the chicks to the new adults. This does not mean that you cannot begin the non-physical introduction prior to that. Here's some links that may help on integration - feel free to pick ideas that suit you and your set-up from any / all.

http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-see-but-don-t-touch-method

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1126547/topic-of-the-week-integrating-chicks-into-an-adult-flock

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1069595/introducing-chicks-to-adults#post_16276224

And is it different than those articles if the existing flock are the youngsters and the new arrivals are older? The existing flock are barely completely feathered, still quite small compared to a grown hen.

 

[Pork Pie]

Do i need to quarantine even if I know where and whom theyve come from? I have 6 plus a roo (same age, raised with chicks, came from a pullet run....somebody didnt have their coffe at the sexing desk apparently). And the coop and run are 70 sq feet of space.

Ok, maybe no need to quarantine them if you do not feel it necessary - your choice (I don't, if I get birds from trusted sources)

 

[featherhead007]

I have some chicks that are about 6 weeks old, all raised together. They were just put out in their new coop and run last week. I have a friend who has 3 hens she wants to give me that are about 6 months old, just began laying. I'm trying to minimize any problems, will the younger chickens still have an adverse reaction to new older hens being introduced into the flock?? Thanks for any advice in advance!!

that is a tough call , it may be difficult

 

[Pork Pie]

And is it different than those articles if the existing flock are the youngsters and the new arrivals are older? The existing flock are barely completely feathered, still quite small compared to a grown hen.

Not really, since the 6 month olds will assume higher status, due to the age differences. Keeping them physically separate, such as using the "see - no touch" method will ensure that they will not physically interact for a few weeks, by which time the chicks should be able to withstand the odd peck.

 

[aart]

I have some chicks that are about 6 weeks old, all raised together. They were just put out in their new coop and run last week. I have a friend who has 3 hens she wants to give me that are about 6 months old, just began laying. I'm trying to minimize any problems, will the younger chickens still have an adverse reaction to new older hens being introduced into the flock?? Thanks for any advice in advance!!

I would not add more birds to your set up:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-new-coop-de-ville-is-finally-complete.1197363/
It's already tight quarters for the 7 you have now once they grow to full size.
Extra and separate space is best for a smooth integration.

 

[rebrascora]

I agree with aart. Your coop and run are beautiful, but for 6 pullets and a cockerel, that is going to be tight unless they are bantams. Adding more older pullets is asking for trouble, tempting as I'm sure it is. Overcrowding will cause your birds stress and health issues and turns what should be a pleasurable pastime into a bit of a nightmare. I'm sure it looks like they have loads of room at the moment, but that will rapidly change once they hit adolescence and that cockerel starts to get rampant.

 

[Tgallaher1]

I rehomed my cockeral today, as beautiful as he was. He started crowing and I live in a neighborhood. But He's free ranging with a bunch of ladies now!