New chicks meeting old hens

[YOOPER FLOCK]

We have 5 one and a half year old layers. Just started raising 12 more. Till this point, they have been separated. Today we tried mixing the young chicks with the old. Bad idea... The first chick out got chased and pecked until we could catch it and get it away from the hens. When and how should we try mixing them again?

 

[whittychick]

Awe poor baby :-( I also have new chicks about 5 weeks old and thinking soon I'm going to let them all be together. My big girls are only 25 weeks old tho. Are yours free ranged? I've heard to let them all out together and then they will go to sleep together. but the pecking order happens regardless. hope it doesnt last too long. Also giving them treats or scratch to keep them too busy to peck! Ugggg good luck! And let us know how it goes!

 

[YOOPER FLOCK]

Our chicks are 6 weeks old. No free ranging. They are in a 24x16 pen with a 8x6 raised henhouse in one corner. Think we'll give them a few more weeks and try feeding the older birds while they are being introduced.

 

[whittychick]

Our chicks are 6 weeks old. No free ranging. They are in a 24x16 pen with a 8x6 raised henhouse in one corner. Think we'll give them a few more weeks and try feeding the older birds while they are being introduced.

Nice area outside! Yea I think distracting them might help! Corn on the cob or a head of cabbage will keep them busy good luck!