New Babies in Flock

[ggirlfarmmom]

I'm sure you are sick of this question, but I've gone over countless threads and I'm still struggling. I've had chickens for roughly 10 years, but I still feel like a newbie. We have 2 Rhode Island Reds outside in the coop right now, and 6 ready to move in chicks inside. The reds are 6 this year, well set in their ways. My husband wants to put the 6 babies (2 Kentucky Blue, 3 blue easter eggers, and 1 leghorn) in the big girl's coop when they're sleeping and they'll seamlessly integrate. Seems too easy and I'm terrified. How can I introduce the babies to their big sisters safely? I'm not sure of the babies ages, but they have most of their big girl feathers, love to perch, and need more space than a brooder can provide. Thank you!

 

[Rose Quartz]

Post a picture of the babies so we can see how big they are.

I have a 7 week old alone with my adults and 20 week chickens, but, it was integrated with a broody. It's mom died this week though. It seems to be doing alright.

You could make a cage of sorts or block off a portion of the coop with wire to keep them separate if you are worried.

If they only jist feathered out theyre still too small

 

[ggirlfarmmom]

 

[ggirlfarmmom]

Post a picture of the babies so we can see how big they are.

I have a 7 week old alone with my adults and 20 week chickens, but, it was integrated with a broody. It's mom died this week though. It seems to be doing alright.

You could make a cage of sorts or block off a portion of the coop with wire to keep them separate if you are worried.

If they only jist feathered out theyre still too small

Thank you, I totally forgot to add a pic. Attached in replies.

 

[Mrs. K]

This is a little monkeying around. A lot depends on your set up, but it deals with the three main problems of integration: territory, feed protection, and intruders.

Get a piece of plywood or a pallet, place it flat on bricks or cement blocks in the middle of the run. Create multiple feed area so that a bird eating at one, can’t see birds eating at another station. Pieces of cardboard, plastic totes, any type of clutter so that birds can disappear from sight. It should be so cluttered that it is difficult to walk through.

Then, lock the old girls out of the coop/ run in your yard. Lock the new girls in the coop/run. Feed along the fence. At night, put the chicks back in their brooder, let the old girls back in. This lets the chicks explore a strange space without being chased. Increases their confidence and gives them some territorial rights.

2nd day, repeat

3rd day repeat, except this night let the big girls in leaving the chicks as close to dark as you can. There will be bluster and a bit of chasing, but the chicks will know where the hide outs are, and the urge to roost will be strong. It won’t last long.

The chicks will probably follow them into the coop. Leave pop up door open, get down there early.

Now sometimes you will get one old biddie who is relentless, and others sometimes will follow her, if so put her into the brooder box for a week.

 

[ggirlfarmmom]

This is a little monkeying around. A lot depends on your set up, but it deals with the three main problems of integration: territory, feed protection, and intruders.

Get a piece of plywood or a pallet, place it flat on bricks or cement blocks in the middle of the run. Create multiple feed area so that a bird eating at one, can’t see birds eating at another station. Pieces of cardboard, plastic totes, any type of clutter so that birds can disappear from sight. It should be so cluttered that it is difficult to walk through.

Then, lock the old girls out of the coop/ run in your yard. Lock the new girls in the coop/run. Feed along the fence. At night, put the chicks back in their brooder, let the old girls back in. This lets the chicks explore a strange space without being chased. Increases their confidence and gives them some territorial rights.

2nd day, repeat

3rd day repeat, except this night let the big girls in leaving the chicks as close to dark as you can. There will be bluster and a bit of chasing, but the chicks will know where the hide outs are, and the urge to roost will be strong. It won’t last long.

The chicks will probably follow them into the coop. Leave pop up door open, get down there early.

Now sometimes you will get one old biddie who is relentless, and others sometimes will follow her, if so put her into the brooder box for a week.

Thank you so much! My girls really are my kids and the thought of letting them get hurt is terrifying. I know nature is nature, but yeah. Thank you, I appreciate your advice!