Signs of Acceptance

[GAchickennewbie]

I've been reading a lot about introducing chicks to the current flock, etc. My chicks are only 3 weeks old and my hen is 1 1/2 years old. I got the chicks because I could tell she was lonely and I wanted her to have company. She is a good girl and very sweet.

Every evening, the chicks are outside for an hour or so inside the coop and Tender (my hen) hangs out in the backyard scratching and having fun.

I haven't had them all together for two reasons:

1. I didn't want everyone to meet confined in the coop/run.

2. I didn't want the chase the chicks around the yard (it's decent sized) to get them safely back inside for the night.

I have been watching how they interact closely looking for signs of aggression or anything that says this may not be an easy introduction.

Tender has done no pecking at them through the coop fencing and other than coming over to watch them, ignores them. At least until I bring them inside, and then she chases me when I'm holding them.

Are there specific signs to look for before putting everyone in the coop together that says it will be a peaceful introduction?

I'm not looking to rush things. I'll take all the time everyone needs, even after the chicks' feathers come in all the way. I also don't want to ignore signs that signal a peaceful introduction.

 

[Manningjw]

You really wont know how they will get along until they are fully integrated. As long as the chicks have grown to a size to sustain some pecking and big enough to get away (not getting trapped in corner) they should be OK. I personally waited until about 14-16 weeks for my current hens/pullets but that is because the older hens out numbered the pullets, I only had 2 pullets this year.

Pecking is normal behavior. Letting them live next to each other is the best method or at the minimum having 'visitation' sessions like you are doing. They can establish a pecking order even through a fence - once established the chicks will be safer because they know the hen has first rights to food. In a way signs of a peaceful introduction will be the chicks/pullets staying away from the hen whenever food is around until she leaves it.

 

[GAchickennewbie]

Thank you so much!

I'm still learning chicken communication. lol! I know what they mean when they're "talking" to me, but not each other.