When to combine chicks with adult hens

[junkman56]

Update....... all 9 chicks came over to the big girls side of the run this morning, I tossed some scratch around,and they came right out. They didn't stay out long but they were out. I hope this is a good sign. I guess closing the hens in for a couple hours yesterday and letting the chicks roam is working out. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Thank you all, for the guidance

 

[aart]

I guess closing the hens in for a couple hours yesterday and letting the chicks roam is working out.

Yes, it gives them a chance to become familiar with the 'new' territory without being in 'danger'. I'd repeat that process a few more times if possible.

 

[junkman56]

Yes, it gives them a chance to become familiar with the 'new' territory without being in 'danger'. I'd repeat that process a few more times if possible.

yes aart I think your right I will close up the hens for a while again later today, after it stops raining. and the next couple days, thank you

 

[junkman56]

I let the chicks have the big run again today for a couple hours. After they went back to their side of the coop. I let the hens back out. Just a short while ago I went back out to the coop and tossed feed around, about 4 chicks came over to the hens side and was pecking at the food, it seemed to be ok, then all of a sudden 2 hens went after the chicks and got the barred rock chick, It was getting brutal so I stopped it and put the chicks back over to their side.
Should I let it take it's coarse, or should I continue to stop the attacts

 

[aart]

The chicks are not seeking shelter thru the doors?
Did the hens pin the chick down?
Remind me how old these chicks are?

 

[junkman56]

Yes they are trying to get back to the doors, but got caught, they pin it down, they are 6 weeks old as of yesterday

 

[junkman56]

The chicks are getting braver, if I throw scratch or some feed out in the run they will come over to the hens side for it, and the hens will let them know who's scratch it is, all and all I think there is progress, the hens chase them, but I think it maybe to let them know who's boss.tomorrow I will close the hens in the covered run, and let the chicks have the big run for a couple hours again. It seems to be helping the transision.

 

[blackdog043]

Thanks for the update, it sounds like things are progressing. Yes, some chasing or a peck here and there, is saying I'm boss get out of my way. Keep doing what your doing.

 

[junkman56]

@ blackdog43 / @arrt
At what point do you think I should take the fence down that I have seperating the run with? So they all will share the same run.
Also
The chicks stay on their side of the coop, behind the screen far away from the hens,
( it is one long roost with fence separating)

 

[blackdog043]

If things went good today again with the chicks and the big girls, I would see how tomorrow morning goes. If it's still good(no hard attacking) I would take the fence down around noon, so they have the afternoon to be in one big run.

I would also take the fence down separating the roost, at the same time. Is that a lower roost bar between the feeder and waterer, (pic #3 in post 11)? If it is, I would leave it there for now, just in case the chicks get chased off the roost bar. Since they have been up there already, it may not even be a problem. Also, if you can, I would be out there tomorrow night when they're going inside, just to keep an eye on things.