when can I move chicks?

[countrygirl57]

I purchased 8 barred rocks & 4 rhode is red 2 weeks ago. I have been through so many threads. I find this new site very difficult to find answers.
My questions are My chicks are all feathered out on wings & backs & tails. Their combs are peaking through. I think they were older than I was told. Maybe 3weeks?

My next question. I have them in the house with a light on them, but they seemed to be to hot, so I raised up the light & they still didn't settle down last night. So I turned out the light & left on a heating pad on the bottom. Is this ok?

I have 2 older hens 3 yrs & 1 small rooster 1 1/2 yrs old in the coup. When can I put the new babies in the coop. I know I read this info, but I can't find it. I do know They have to be same size to be put together, but can I divide the coop space for both & what age?

 

[MelanieR]

There's a good article on this site about integrating flocks ... I'll see if I can find it and re-post. One thing I really liked that was said in the article was not to put the chicks with the chickens if the chicks are still chirping.

And other advice says to wait until the chicks are the same (or close to the same) size as the big chickens.

 

[MelanieR]

Here it is! Good article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[MelanieR]

Oh, sorry for posting again... I don't know if you edited your post or if I missed it, but I did put my chicks in an outside run at a couple weeks old. The big chickens could see the chicks but couldn't do more than peck at them through the wire or just watch them. So as long as the hens and rooster couldn't actually get in with the chicks I'd say that would be fine.

 

[chicknerd]

Hi

I have a special integration pen I put in the regular run. I use it while they are younger than about 12 weeks old for them to be outside with everyone else. They can see the older ones and the older ones can see them. But they go back into the brooder at night. That way I control the temperature at night and we still get high 40s and 50s even this time of year at night.

By 8 weeks I have them in the run full time (ie not in the house). This year I made a little area that is just for them in the big coop. They can get in and out but the big ones can only see them through the hardware cloth. So far the first 2 groups have done fine this way. Last night was the first night the second group did not need help getting back into their little area. It took about 2 weeks for them to figure it out. I had to hand carry them back.

I just got my third group and they are in the house full time, being only 1 day old. But in 4 weeks or earlier if it is warmer than 85, I will let them out for short times in the integration pen.

By the way, I made the integration pen out of 3/4" pvc pipe glued together. It is 4' tall x4' wide x 8' long. This is a bit big and I would make it shorter if I make a new one. I put chicken wire zip-tied around the 5 sides and it keeps everyone out and the chicks in. One short end is a door. Because the top is covered it protects them from hawks too. What is nice is that I can move it anywhere in the run or outside on the grass if everyone free ranges. It is very light but safe.

 

[countrygirl57]

thank you for your advise.

 

[countrygirl57]

thank you for the thread & advise. I just got to find abigger box until they are older.

 

[Sweetlilbaby]

I put my 2 week olds outside during the day when it's nice out in a 8 by 4' area. This helps get them to sleep at night. Part of the reason chicks kept in a brooder do not settle down at night is they don't know night from day as it is light all the time. And they don't get much exercise.
I also use a dimmer on my light as mine are kept in the house at night near a heater. Just before bed I dim the light so they still can get under it for heat if they need (though they never do) but there is a difference in light to show it's night. plus i put some boards in for them to start attempting to roost on, they are 2x4 boards but the chicks still like to line up on them at night.

 

[HorseCrazyy]

There is a article on the site about that