what's the youngest age you've successfully integrated chicks to the main flock?

[Phoenixxx]

I just set another batch of eggs in the 'bator so my current babies will need to vacate the brooder in three weeks' time. At that point they will be just under 4 weeks old. They are already outdoors during the daytime and their parents visit them off and on throughout the day with calm curiosity. When I was bringing them in to bed this evening, I set the box I carry them in down in front of the rooster and one of the hens. They seem to understand that the chicks are their babies but aren't quite sure what to do with them. It seems to me that I should have no trouble when the time comes, but I'm curious: what's the youngest successful integration you other byc-ers have had?

 

[ChickenChatten]

I've heard that it's safe to go in with the entire flock when their fully feathered, but it sounds like your doing a good job of intergrading them! I've been very worried about introducing my new babies into my flock, and haven't had much luck finding whether or not the rooster really plays a factor in the introduction.

 

[BantamLover21]

The youngest I've ever introduced chicks was when they were about 8 weeks old. I'm sure you can do it when they're younger, though; I just didn't want to take any chances.

 

[Phoenixxx]

I've heard that it's safe to go in with the entire flock when their fully feathered, but it sounds like your doing a good job of intergrading them! I've been very worried about introducing my new babies into my flock, and haven't had much luck finding whether or not the rooster really plays a factor in the introduction.

I bought a bunch of half-feathered chicks last year. What I did with them was outside in a floorless cage for the day, in the house at night. When they were mostly feathered, I moved their sleeping cage into the coop and built them a large, portable pen for daytime foraging. After about 3 or 4 nights, I removed the sleeping cage altogether but still herded them into their outdoor pen each morning. I don't remember exactly what age they were when I quit the daytime pen and had them fully integrated, but they were about half the size of the elders.

 

[mdoerge]

What did you do about feed? I need to move my 8 week olds in with my adults soon, so they will have to be on the same feed as my layers. I've never switched feeds so young and am wondering how they'll do.

 

[Phoenixxx]

What did you do about feed? I need to move my 8 week olds in with my adults soon, so they will have to be on the same feed as my layers. I've never switched feeds so young and am wondering how they'll do.

I just read some very interesting posts on "the pros and cons of free-ranging" thread about this! Go take a look.

Are your birds foraging through the day? If so, the feed type shouldn't matter because they'll make up the balance of what they need in wild food. Otherwise, you can put two dishes out: one layer, one grower, and the birds will eat whichever they need.

 

[cracked egg]

I have two brooding rooms set up. Just hatched chicks stay in the enclosed brooder until a month old then go into a larger room enclosed with poultry netting. As soon as they can handle the temperature swings they are turned out with the adults. Within days they are foraging and taking care of themselves.
They undergo the pecking order and get lost at times at first but they learn quick. I have not had any problems with the roos hurting them, seems they are more curious and tolerant then the hens. I have had chicks as young as a month old, who's mom died,successfully integrate and are now adults brooding their own chicks.

 

[CollegeChicken]

whenever introducing the 'teenagers' in this way you should always set up a little cage or enclosure for them WITHIN the actual coop to desensitize and acclimatize the others to their presence. This makes the actual physical introduction, and pecking order process a little easier and less of an 'event' in the flock.

 

[Phoenixxx]

So, interesting thing happened yesterday. While I was handling one of the chicks, it squawked up a storm. Next thing I know, my rooster came running over to see what was happening! Also, the one hen who's taken the most interest in them has been contemplating going broody. She spent the bulk of the day and all night in her nest. It looks like integrating them at 3.75 weeks will be a breeze! I almost feel like I could let them go right now IF the one hen feels like adopting