What age to blend flocks?

[UnlabeledMama]

At what age should I start to integrate my chicks with my adult hens?

 

[Den in Penn]

The age depends a lot on how you are keeping them. If you are at or near the limits of space then they should be near the same size, or about 16 weeks. The more space you give them the younger you can integrate them. Also how you integrate them is a factor as well. If you just throw them in, even at night, the closer to maturity the better they can defend themselves. A slow integration can be done at a lower age. I usually do a slow integration were they grow up in a tractor with a portable run. The established flock sees them from the time I can pull the plug for the heat, but can't physically interact. By the time the chicks are around 12 weeks they can free range together without a problem. That is around the time I can hook the runs together and let them mingle. Depending if I need the tractor for something else or not I may leave it that way until they start to lay. then move them to the main coop. and hide the tractor. So the age can vary when you integrate them. To give a more definite answer we just need a little more information.

 

[UnlabeledMama]

I have 18 hens and 8 3 week old baby chicks. I have then in the tractor right now (and in the house at night), but the tractor is only 4x4 so they can't stay until they are adults. My coop is 10x10 and I have a 20x20 run.

 

[Den in Penn]

At twelve weeks they should be big enough and fast enough to avoid the worst of the pecking. Try to move that tractor where they can see and talk to each other so the flock can get used to the new comers. You are going to have space problems when they all grow up. You'll need a larger run unless you free range.

 

[UnlabeledMama]

I do plan on expanding the run next year - but I was told 10 square feet per chicken in the run?

 

[Den in Penn]

Sorry about the run bit, I didn't do the math right. I guess another brain cell disconnected.

 

[UnlabeledMama]

No problem!