When to introduce chick to big chickens

[amberohare]

I have a brahma chick that looks like she has all her feathers. She's at least 5 weeks old. Today, she escaped from the brooder and was running around my garage with a cat and dog nearby. I managed to get her without any casualties. Is she old enough to put her out with the big chickens? I don't want her hurt or escape again.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Sounds like it. I introduce mine at 6-10 weeks depending on the weather and the feathering on the chicks.

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC!

Not sure I'd just put one single chick right in the with the big chickens.

This is how I integrate chicks https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old


Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, tho some info is outdated IMO:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[Zoomie]

I did just integrate one chick with two other adults, and it went well. My chick was about 5 weeks. I think what @aart says is correct - I watched carefully to make sure there was no bullying, but it worked remarkable well with a younger bird. In my case the chick was in a dog carrier inside the larger area, and that was where she was brooded. They were able to see and hear each other for the first 5 weeks of the chick's life, so I guess they thought it was no big deal when I opened the door. I made sure the chick had hiding places and I showed her where they were, but it went great.

I'm sure it's different with different individuals, but I was successful in getting this one chick accepted by the two adults.