When to introduce older hens to young chicks?

[Toothpick]

I've got 6 hens that just started to lay a few weeks ago. I noticed they have already established a pecking order. I'm upgrading to a larger coop and will be getting roughly 20 chicks.

I would greatly prefer all my chickens in the same coop so when would be a good time to introduce the older hens to the younger chicks?

Thanks for replies

 

[Lamaremybabies]

My favorite way to introduce chicks to an established flock, is the play pen method. It's quite simple and I've successfully integrated 11 chicks from 2-4 months old at the same time to my flock of older hens and rooster (plus ducks but they couldn't care less). All you do is have the chicks in a pen made out of chicken wire that's closed on the top and sides, you put the chicks in that every day for roughly a week next to the older chickens so they can see each other but not touch. Usually within a week the older chickens lose interest in the little intruding fluff balls that look like them. This is when you let everyone out together (make sure to supervise) and see how they do. The older hens might give them a few pecks just to tell them who's boss or similar things like that but as long nobody is getting hurt It's fine.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

We try to introduce slowly with a wire divider between them. so they get use to each other being so close. the old ones will protect their territory/assets etc.

 

[Toothpick]

I'm assuming it will work in reverse? Introducing the older hens to the younger chicks.

My new chicks will be put in the new coop right away. My old hens will be kept in their current coop. Eventually I want them all to be in the new coop.

So letting the new chicks have free run of the coop/run but keeping my old hens separate for the time being but being able to see them (like the fence divider) will accomplish the same thing?

 

[Lamaremybabies]

I'm assuming it will work in reverse? Introducing the older hens to the younger chicks.

My new chicks will be put in the new coop right away. My old hens will be kept in their current coop. Eventually I want them all to be in the new coop.

So letting the new chicks have free run of the coop/run but keeping my old hens separate for the time being but being able to see them (like the fence divider) will accomplish the same thing?

Yes. Once your chicks are around 6-8 weeks you can simply let the older hens in especially because they'll be growing up next to the older hen, if I understand your housing set up correctly.

 

[Toothpick]

Yes. Once your chicks are around 6-8 weeks you can simply let the older hens in especially because they'll be growing up next to the older hen, if I understand your housing set up correctly.

Not exactly growing up next to them. I'll have to move the older hens in the run with the young chicks. Not vise versa. I can keep them separated with a fence though.

The difference being the young chicks will have the full reign of the coop/run and the older hens will be blocked up with just enough access to see the young chicks.

It sounds to me like as long as I give them all a few weeks to get to know each other in a controlled environment then it should be fine to keep them all together.

 

[Lamaremybabies]

Not exactly growing up next to them. I'll have to move the older hens in the run with the young chicks. Not vise versa. I can keep them separated with a fence though.

The difference being the young chicks will have the full reign of the coop/run and the older hens will be blocked up with just enough access to see the young chicks.

It sounds to me like as long as I give them all a few weeks to get to know each other in a controlled environment then it should be fine to keep them all together.

That is correct.

 

[aart]

It sounds to me like as long as I give them all a few weeks to get to know each other in a controlled environment then it should be fine to keep them all together.

Theoretically, yes.
There are many variables tho and you just never know what animals will do.

If at all possible I would move the pullets(not hens until one year old) coop/run next to the new coop/run.
You'd be ahead of the game and integration might be easier to navigate.
Would also be handy in the future for using the old coop/run when adding new birds or to isolate problem birds(sick, aggressive, broody, etc).

Here's my integration notes:
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[Toothpick]

Great post @aart Thanks for all the info and tips!