When to introduce new chickens?

[bossybetty]

I was wondering at what age is best for introducing new chickens to my flock? I have waited in the past until they were pullets that are just beginning to lay, and then kept everyone separated with a small pen inside the bigger enclosure for several weeks. Is there a better age, maybe sooner?

Also, I am really wanting to add some Jersey giants to my flock, but I dont know much about them. Does anyone here have them, and if so, can you tell me if they mix well with other breeds like the barred rock, white rock, buff orphington, cherry and easter egger?

I dont want to miss manage my girls by adding at the wrong time, or putting in a breed that wont coexist with my prima donna girls!

Thanks for reading!

 

[Ridgerunner]

You will find that we do this all sort of different ways and at all different ages. I don't think there is a perfect age or perfect way for all of us. We all have different conditions and each flock has its own dynamics. I think how much space and how we manage them makes a huge difference. If you have a system that works for you, it might be best to keep doing it.

A broody hen will often wean her chicks and leave them to fend for themselves with the flock at 4 weeks age. Last summer, I had one do that at 3 weeks. To me, that proves that you can integrate younger chicks with the flock. They still have pecking order issues to work through and need space to stay away from the adults until they are big enough to hold their own and establish a place in the pecking order, but they can and do live with the flock.

I keep my brooder in the coop from Day 1 and my grow-out pen is next to the adults, so they can see each other from Day 1. At about 8 weeks, I just open the gate and let them mix. But I have lots of room. They can coexist yet stay very separate. I also let the younger ones roost in a separate place at night (the grow-out coop).

If I have a broody hen, I let her raise them with the flock. The chicks are on their own when she weans them. These sleep in the big coop with the adults.

I don't have Jersey Giants but I doubt they are that different than any other chicken. I personally would not hesitate to just treat them like other chickens and let them mix with the flock, but I have not had them.

 

[BullChick]

Big as they are, Jersey Giants are fine with the other chicks/chickens. My Easter Egger and Production Red were raised with some.