When can I put my chicks out with the older hens?

[elabraleon]

Weather is warming, I've been raising the heat lamp a little each week. Yesterday I let the chicks play in the yard for a few hours. When can I put them in the coop with the hens?
Edit: Theyre 4.5 weeks old

 

[Illia]

I usually introduce them at around 8 weeks old, that or any time when they're fully feathered and smart enough/athletic enough to know where safety is when the hens want to play chase the chick.

 

[elabraleon]

Thanks Illia

 

[PapaChaz]

i've read several posts that say wait until they are about the same size as the hens so they can defend themselves, makes sense to me! my chicks are 4.5 weeks old, i've got a run divider in so they'll all be able to see each other without being able to get to each other, and i'll probably wait till july to let them 'work it out' hopefully the chicks will be close by then

 

[teach1rusl]

It really depends on how your flock reacts to the chicks. Many people wait until they're at least close to full size - maybe 12 - 14 weeks. But you could try it earlier, under close observation, and see how the big chickens do with them. Some hens (and roos) have killed chicks...