When to introduce new chicks to my flock??

[jlborello]

I just got 5 chicks. How long do I need to keep them separated from my 18 week olds( 2 hens and a roo)??

 

[jlborello]

The chicks are 2/3 weeks old

 

[Den in Penn]

A lot depends on how much space they will have and how many hiding spots and obstacles they have when you introduce them. Generally the less space the older they have to be. With little space they need to be big enough to stand up or run from the older chickens if necessary. At sixteen weeks they are generally big enough for that. With more space they can be younger.

 

[punk chicken]

Hi,I have room for four large chickens in my hen house,at present i have three large birds.I went to buy a Hen yesterday and the breeder told me if i introduced a new hen(P.O.L.)the other chickens would most likely kill it.Any suggestions as to what to do?

 

[Den in Penn]

Hi,I have room for four large chickens in my hen house,at present i have three large birds.I went to buy a Hen yesterday and the breeder told me if i introduced a new hen(P.O.L.)the other chickens would most likely kill it.Any suggestions as to what to do?

A single chicken introduction is the hardest integration. The established birds can all focus on that one hen, and she can take a beating. The way I would recommend is to have her in a separate section where they can see each other. After a week start putting them in with her one by one, a few days between the intros.