releasing 1 month old chicks into the coop

[plantguy90]

Right now I only have 3 hens left from last year, had a neighbor dog attack that decimated my flock. This year I ordered from MeyerHatchery and they had a 15 chick minimum. The chicks are about 5 weeks now and corwding out of my little brooder, its an about a 2'x3' a-frame. The a-frame sits in the coop so all the chickens have been living together.

Last year I havd 10 chicks and a couple hens and what I ended up doing was "shotgun" releasing the chicks and it was no problem, there's plenty of space for the chicks to get away from the older gals. The chicks scattered and eventually everyone got used to each other.

Wondering if I will have the same luck doing it again. What y'all think?

 

[Ridgerunner]

If it worked last year, there is no reason you can’t try it this year. They are living animals so I can’t give any guarantees, but plenty of broodies wean their chicks at that age and the chicks usually make their way in the flock.