When should I let my 9 week chicks live with the adult hens?

[Hannahhubers]

So I have 6 adult hens that are friendly as far as I know. I also have 9 baby chicks that are about nine weeks old. They have been in my chicken run, but separated from the adults so they can see each other for 4 weeks now. I also have 4 ducks that are 4 weeks old and they are making a muddy mess for the chicks to live in so I would like to go ahead and move the whole flock in together to give a better living space to the babies and so that they can go in the chicken coop where it’s very dry.(right now they use a dog kennel as their coop and it’s tight and doesn’t stay as dry) if my adult hens have been coexisting with them this long is it safe to go ahead and take the separation wall down? Any tips?
Thanks!
Hannah

 

[MapleLaurelFarms]

Sure, I think it's a great time to incorporate them. My little ones are usually out with the adults full time by 6 weeks or so. Just take it slowly. The pullets might get a few warning pecks and freak out lol, but it likely won't hurt them. I usually keep the separator door cracked just enough so the little ones can retreat but the big ones can't follow.

Btw love your cute coop! Oh to have flat land like that for building! Everything here is on the side of a mountain, which is gorgeous but makes everything (including walking) difficult sometimes.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Btw love your cute coop! Oh to have flat land like that for building!

I agree! I would love for my girls to have that much space. What a happy place to live.

 

[Ahoragi]

Wow I thought my wife spoils our chickens but you got her beat.

 

[Hannahhubers]

Wow I thought my wife spoils our chickens but you got her beat.

I have a problem..

 

[rosemarythyme]

"Now."

Looks like you have plenty of clutter so that helps. Don't be surprised if a couple of hens chase the chicks a bit or peck at them if they get too close, but unless the hens are harassing to the point that the chicks can't eat or drink or are being injured, best to not intervene. The littles need to learn how to deal with the bigs.

 

[MapleLaurelFarms]

Don't be surprised if a couple of hens chase the chicks a bit or peck at them if they get too close, but unless the hens are harassing to the point that the chicks can't eat or drink or are being injured, best to not intervene. The littles need to learn how to deal with the bigs.

Haha and yes! Correction IS going to happen, but it's just chickens being chickens. And the littles speak this language, so although the littles often initially overreact with the warning pecks (which can seem concerning from a human perspective), mine always quickly work out the order and/or learn to keep out of the way.

It's kinda cute when you view it from a chicken perspective and don't overreact, but I agree that it's important to keep an eye on things at first. I only allow limited interaction to begin with and then slowly increase the time together. Usually after a week or two, everyone is foraging and roosting together.

 

[EdgeC]

I move mine out at 6 weeks to start their separation/but together phase.

Make sure your rooster can't peck inside their cage (rabbit wire > Chicken wire).

 

[Hannahhubers]

Hi everyone, update: everyone moved in together and is doing phenomenal! My older gals are definitely enjoying showing the littles who is boss but nothing violent. It’s really hilarious actually!!

 

[Appalachickens]

Hi everyone, update: everyone moved in together and is doing phenomenal! My older gals are definitely enjoying showing the littles who is boss but nothing violent. It’s really hilarious actually!!

Nice! And that is a very cool set up.