New chicks and New coop

[nszrmch]

Hello!
My chicks(5 of em) are getting ready to head into the backyard coop. However, we have an older flock (3 hens) in the backyard already. I've read a lot about how to introduce them on other posts on here. However, we are also purchasing a new, bigger coop. We are planning to keep the smaller one in case of injury or anything like that.

How should we go about introducing the babies to the backyard, a coop and the older flock while introducing older flock to babies and new coop? We are thinking maybe put the babies in the new coop and leave them in there(it has a huge run) fro a few days so they can see the older flock but no one can get hurt? Then after a week or so start free ranging them together and move old flock into the new coop? Hope that all makes sense. Any suggestions/ do you think this is a good idea? Thanks!
*Edit was to clarify details

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under nszrmch Welcome!

If it was me in your situation, I would do what you are thinking; start with the little ones in what will be their new, permanent home. That will give them time to settle and learn all the hidey holes and after a few weeks of the 'look but do not touch' integration method, move the adult hens to the new home also following some supervised free range as you mention. Hopefully, the new location may take the edge off the adults wanting to pick on the newbies also.

BYC has Topic of the Week discussions which I have found to be a great resource, informative and sometimes entertaining; so definitely worth checking out. While not specific to your scenario, there are integration tips on both of these:
Topic of the Week - Integrating Chicks into an Adult Flock
Topic of the Week - Adding New Chickens to the Flock

I do hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

You might want to also Find Your State Thread and pop in and say hello.

If you would like to share Pictures and Stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

Best wishes and good luck!

 

[nszrmch]

G’Day from down under nszrmch Welcome!

If it was me in your situation, I would do what you are thinking; start with the little ones in what will be their new, permanent home. That will give them time to settle and learn all the hidey holes and after a few weeks of the 'look but do not touch' integration method, move the adult hens to the new home also following some supervised free range as you mention. Hopefully, the new location may take the edge off the adults wanting to pick on the newbies also.

BYC has Topic of the Week discussions which I have found to be a great resource, informative and sometimes entertaining; so definitely worth checking out. While not specific to your scenario, there are integration tips on both of these:
Topic of the Week - Integrating Chicks into an Adult Flock
Topic of the Week - Adding New Chickens to the Flock

I do hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

You might want to also Find Your State Thread and pop in and say hello.

If you would like to share Pictures and Stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

Best wishes and good luck!

Thank you so much! I will check those out

 

[007Sean]

Howdy Happy to have you join the family. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

 

[ronott1]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens!

Telia gave you great advice! One thing to add is to move them together at night. Also, it is best if the new ones are 3\4 the size of the old ones. The size difference can make the little ones look like food. If You can keep them in the two coops until the little ones are about 16 weeks old things will go better with integration

 

[nszrmch]

View attachment 1286403
Welcome to Backyard Chickens!

Telia gave you great advice! One thing to add is to move them together at night. Also, it is best if the new ones are 3\4 the size of the old ones. The size difference can make the little ones look like food. If You can keep them in the two coops until the little ones are about 16 weeks old things will go better with integration

Thank you so much!

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello and welcome to BYC. I'm sure the links from Teila will be very helpful.

 

[Plip]

Welcome to BYC! Glad that you're here!