When can I let my mamma hen and 4 week old chicks merge into my current flock?

[Newchickenmom26]

I have a mamma hen and 4 week old chicks in a separate area away from the rest of my flock. The mini-coop (where momma and babies are in currently) has a chicken run attached to it and the mamma and babies are able to interact with the other flock members safely.

I was wondering at what age can I let my mamma hen and baby chicks integrate into my flock? I can't find anything online about it and this is a new adventure me and this mamma hen are embarking on, so I don't know what to do when the chicks get old enough to be away from mamma hen.

 

[gtaus]

Welcome to the BYC forums. Hope to hear more from you in the future.

I have only integrated new chicks with an existing flock at about 8 weeks old. Someday I would like to have a mamma hen and baby chicks. To answer your question, I found this information...

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The “look but don’t touch” arrangement is one of the safest ways to build familiarity and reduce drama when it’s time to integrate. Here’s a breakdown of what the experts recommend:

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Ideal Age for Integration​

• Standard guideline: Most sources recommend 8–12 weeks as the earliest safe window for integration, once chicks are fully feathered and can regulate their own body temperature.
• With a protective mamma hen: You may be able to integrate as early as 6 weeks, especially if the hen is assertive and maintains her role as protector. Her presence can buffer pecking order aggression.
• Breed and temperament matter:
  • Docile breeds (e.g. Orpingtons, Cochins) tend to accept newcomers more easily.
  • Aggressive or high-ranking hens may require a longer separation period—closer to 16–18 weeks for safety.

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Integration Strategy​

1. Continue “Look But Don’t Touch” for 1–2 more weeks
   Let the flock get used to seeing and hearing the chicks daily. This reduces novelty and territorial aggression.
2. Supervised Free-Range Time
   Around 6–8 weeks, begin short, supervised sessions where mamma and chicks mingle with the flock in a neutral space (e.g. yard or garden). Distractions like treats help redirect attention.
3. Watch for Pecking Order Behavior
   Some pecking is normal—it's how chickens establish hierarchy. But if you see chasing, pinning, or blood, separate immediately and try again later.
4. Gradual Overnight Integration
   Once daytime interactions are peaceful, you can try letting them roost together. Do this on a calm evening and monitor closely the next morning.

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Hope that helps.

 

[nuthatched]

Now. You want momma to still be protective and her weaning time should be within the next two week.

 

[Yardmom]

The younger the chicks the less likely the older birds are to pay attention to them. Be aware that by removing the hen from the flock and in warning to stay away from her chicks she may end up fighting some.

Since your chicks are already 4 weeks old make sure there are places for the chicks to hide or escape from the hens, but I still think it will be easier sooner than later.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Hi, welcome to the forum! Glad you joined!

It sounds like your small coop and run are next to the main flock's coop and run so they can see each other across the wire. That would be good. Before I give specific suggestions I like to know what you are working with. So how big (in feet or meters) is that small coop? Small run? Main coop? Main run? Do you have four chicks 1 week old or an unknown number of chicks 4 weeks old with that broody hen? How many other chickens?

I have more than sufficient room. I let my broody hens hatch with the flock and raise the chicks with the flock from Day 1. For me that is not a problem. For some people it can be a problem. I think the amount of room I have contributes greatly to my success but each chicken has its own personality and you do not get guarantees with living chickens.

I've had broody hens wean their chicks at 3 weeks old, I've had some not wean them until they were almost three months old. I have no idea how close your hen is to weaning her chicks. But regardless of age my chicks have been able to make their way with the flock until they matured enough to join the pecking order. They manage that by avoiding them during the day and not sleeping next to them on the roosts at night. That is where room in the coop and outside is important.

My first thought would be to cut a hole in the fence between them and let the hen handle integration. Maintain separate feeding and watering stations. Let them sleep apart if they want to. If the hen wants to take the chicks to the main coop at night. let her try. I'm assuming you have enough room to do this. You may not.

Good luck!