new babies adjusting to 1 year old hens

[robbinsroost]

Hi I am planning on purchasing some chicks around the first to middle of March. Right now I have 14 hens and will be selling app. 7 before the new chicks come. What I need to know is in order for the older hens to accept the babies, would it be better to put them in their coop, of course in a protected cage with heat lamp. Or is there a better way? I am planning on purchasing between 7 to 14 new chicks with two of them roosters. Please help. Don't want babies killed . I can keep them in the house for a little while I am just not sure how to introduce when they get bigger. My chickens are free ranged so that won't be cooped up all together all the time. Thanks for any help!

 

[jennh]

Hi ! I have integrated 3 times now. I have always kept them separated for a while with a fence so they can see each other, and get used to each other, but can't hurt anyone. Then I just put them together in the coop one NIGHT, and they wake up the next morning, go outside in the run and just be---chickens

Works for me every time,
Jen