I have 6 chicks (7weeks old) that I want to add to my existing flock. I have had the chicks since they were a day old and kept them in a seperate area. How old should they be before I add them to the flock, and what is the best way to do it?
I would say that you have probably 9 or so more weeks to go before adding the babies. Put them next to your existing flock separated by fence. The chicks and the chickens should be close to the same size and it also depends on how many are in your existing flock. Are there any roosters?
My first attempt at combining flocks was a group of 6 or more (can't remember) 8 week old chicks with one 2 year old hen. She terrorized them terribly, and I had to separate them for a couple more months before I was willing to try again.
Dale-Ann
Buff's article gives good information on how the process works and gives a few hints on how to do it safer. There are always going to be risks. The best way for you to do it depends on a few things; your set-up and space, your management practices (such as do they free range and what time do you lock the up or let them out), how many in your established flock, do you have a rooster in either or both groups, how well can you monitor them.
