When Should I Put Them Out?

[Chicken Whisperers]

We bought three fertilized eggs for a hen to sit on and two hatched on June 15 and 16. So they are almost two months old, and I am wondering when I should put them out with the rest of the flock. Currently we have the two chicks and the mama in an extra coop we have for introducing the new chicks each year. I'm just wondering if it's too early to let them live with the other 6 full grown hens. They have mom to protect them, and I can fix the few cracks and holes in the fence that they can get through. ( I have let them out before to let the big chickens get used to having them around, and both squeezed through and under the fence to the neighbors backyard: I had to coax them back with treats, those naughty chickies!)

 

[chickens really]

Definitely ready. I raise mine from day one in my Flock.

 

[OhZark Biddies]

I think the general idea when introducing/reintroducing chickens is to put them out where they can see each other for a few days, but where they can't attack each other... so separate off part of the run, or put a small cage in the run, etc.

And then if you can let them range around the yard a bit while letting them mix for the first time, that helps. And if you give them a distraction, such as some mulch or leaf litter and treats to scratch up when first introduced that tends to help also. And if a fight breaks out have the garden hose out, and give them a slap of water, to tell them to behave.

I think yours are plenty old enough to do some or all of that.

 

[chickens really]

Here they are...

 

[Chicken Whisperers]

Okay so I poured a bunch of dirt over the smaller holes, and screwed in wood planks over the bigger ones and the dips under the fence. Tomorrow morning I will double check all of it and then let them out once I'm positive they can't get out cuz their still pretty tiny

 

[Kat2141]

Definitely ready. I raise mine from day one in my Flock.

me too. It was so much easier that way, too.