when to introduce chicks to rest of flock

[bantyjava14]

Hello. I have 4 mottled Java chicks that I kept separated from the rest of our birds (separate pen with chicken wire so the other chickens can see them but not get to them). They have their feathers now at 4 weeks old. At what point should I let them run with the rest of the birds? Mama Java is with the chicks and wants to get out with the others. Thanks!

 

[Araucana16]

If Mama is out with them, you should put them out as soon as possible.

Mama is going to be at the top of the pecking order, because she has the babies. So she will protect them, and the others won't even THINK of going near her.

 

[bantyjava14]

She does protect them from me when I change their food and water but wasn't sure if the rooster would be a problem. He is a Bantam and usually calm but when someone is in the yard that normally isn't he goes nuts. We were going to try putting them all together today anyway but I wasn't sure (this is our first hatch). Thanks for the reply, and I'm sure mama Java will be much happier.

 

[Araucana16]

A mama hen will take rank over even a rooster

Good luck!

 

[bantyjava14]

It actually went very well. None of the other chickens bothered them except our Barred Rock hen and mama Java took care of that real quick! Thank for your information and good wishes.