New chicks and my flock

well what I normally do if I raise chicks (normally I stick them under broody hens) I will introduce them when the chicks loose there down and have feathers and are big enough to kinda run and hide without getting lost but because its winter I would wait alittle longer if that's an option? I have never had a problem with like full force aggression just the occasional peck on the head here and there even with baby roosters as long as you put them in early the older roosters wont bother them but if your chickens get to aggressive If your coop is big enough you can every day put a little cage with the older chicks in it and over time they will get used to them. I hope this was helpful keep me informed I would LOVE to know how it goes!! GOOD LUCK!

 

I need some help please- I currently have 21 baby chicks oldest a week old. They are locked up inside a pen ( wooden house) every night and I open door to a run every morning so mum can take them out and scratch etc. the last 2 mornings I have found 1 chick with its insides coming out!! Like something has had a go at it I'm stumped as to how this can happen when they are locked up. Has anyone else heard of this? I don't want to loose anymore, what could it be, rats????
I saw 2 tiny holes under the edge of the coop, which I have now blocked off. It wouldn't be mum or other chicks doing this would it??

Thank you

 

most deff it could be rats! I had a rat infestation when a man brought us hay with rats in it and they spread like wild fire they were killing chicks left and right and pigeons!!!!!! I would maybe set rat traps out beside the holes maybe that will catch the culprits! keep us updated!!