when and how to introduce baby chickens

[art4cheri]

I have 13 hens. They are about 7 months old. I am thinking of getting a few baby chicks. At what age can they be introduced to the flock? By the way I also have one roo.

 

[familyfarm1]

I introduce my chicks when they are older then a month or fully feathered.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! It is best to wait until the chickens are about the same size, and then a long period of seeing but no touching through wire seem to work best, ie dividing the coop into two sections or keeping the new/younger ones in a cage inside the coup for a couple of weeks to a month at least. The chickens will get to know each other and sort of work out a pecking order before actually coming in contact with each other. Letting them free range together is a good idea and should help... It will take a couple of weeks to get the pecking order sorted out. There is a nice article in the Learning Center on integrating flocks you might like to check out, the part about actually combining them is after the quarantine section https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[Peep-Chicken]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Wyandottes7]

Welcome to BYC!

I'm glad you joined our "flock".

I usually introduce birds into my flock when they are similar in size to the older birds. This is usually around 14-16 weeks old. Until then, they live in a segregated section that allows them to see the older hens, but not touch.

 

[drumstick diva]

You're received some great advice, so I will just say - Welcome to Backyard chickens, glad you joined the flock

 

[BantamLover21]

I'm glad you joined our community!

The other members have given you some good advice. Good luck with your chickens!

 

[Book Em Danno25]

Welcome to BYC!!

If you have any questions, i'm here to help!! Just PM me!!

-Turkenstein25