What age do they stop chirping and start making chicken sounds?

[alicexx]

Hello guys!
This is my first time posting so I hope it's ok,
I have 2 frizzle x wyandottle babies ( around 9 weeks)
1 laying hen ( Sussex x wyandottle)
2 not yet laying hens and
Sussex cross Rooster

I'm wondering when they start making chicken sounds? I'm thinking that's when they should be introduced to start hanging out together and sleeping together?

They are in a seperate cage in the day but can go into the henhouse to sleep in a sectioned off part so everyone sleeps together.


I attempted yesterday and let them out of there pen and the girls came over, they stood close together without moving... then the big ones would have a little peck at there back?

Sorry this is so long!

 

[Dmontgomery]

I think mine usually quit around 2-3 months. The pecking never stops, regardless of the sounds they make. The older hens will always remind them that they were here first and are the boss. It dies lessen, but never stops completely.

 

[azygous]

The voice change occurs right around three months old. They'll alternate between chirping and honking/quacking. Yes, you'll swear there are ducks somewhere, and darned if you can find them! By four months, they're still honking and quacking, sounding pretty ridiculous, but they've stopped chirping like chicks.

What you're seeing with the pecking is a "ritual" conducted when any chicks or adult chickens meet one another for the first time. It will even happen when they know each other but haven't seen each other for a spell. Usually it's a quick peck on the head by the one who considers themselves the "home team". The younger they are, chicks for example, the quicker they settle down to a compatible relationship. Older chickens will be conscious of rank, and they may set to squabbling a bit.

A peck on the back usually means "watch yourself, you're just a plebe." If the one getting the peck objects to being a lesser rank, then they may fly at each other, talons extended, hackles flared, and you might even see a bloody comb or two. But this altercation is usually over and done with in short order. Try not to interfere.

Now, that said, if you have young chicks you are integrating with adults, it's no match. The chicks could get hurt unless you have a safe refuge for them to run to. I call this the "panic room". It's a safe enclosure with chick-size openings where the chickens hang out most of the day that the older chickens can't get into.

The biggest challenge for smaller chicks mingling for the first time with older chickens, is getting enough food and water since older chickens tend to chase them away from the feeders. I place chicks' food and water inside their panic room and they always have plenty to eat that way, as well as a safe place in which to relax.

See my article on outdoor brooding linked below in the block of articles for photos of what my panic room setup looks like.

 

[aim0474]

I love that article. i just built a mini tractor for my 3 week old chicks so they can spend time outdoors and they and the older hens can get acclimated. It is not as ideal as yours but I am hoping it eases any integration issues since it will be pretty cold onceit happens in a few weeks.

 

[alicexx]

Thanks everyone so much!
I'm trying the little door option they know it's there but aren't really using it I'm doing supervised play dates and all is going well, They are being picked on a little bit they are still letting them eat. The rooster even gave them some treats! ( he's a very gentle boy)