When to Move Chicks to the Coop

[wxdude99]

I have three 3 week old chicks. And I have two 2 year old hens in the coop. When should I move the chicks out to the coop? I currently have them in the house in a rubbermaid bin.

Thanks

 

[ChooksChick]

Here are a couple of articles that may help you. I'd wait until they are much bigger to introduce them, keeping them separate until they can defend themselves.

Moving chicks to the coop

Introducing new birds to the flock

 

[danamillette]

Hello!
When they are close in size! The hens really seem to torment the little ones.
Have a nice day.
Dana

 

[kenora44]

I moved my chicks in the coop at 2 weeks of age but sectioned off an area where the hens cant get to them and I left the heat lamp on all the time. At night I put them back into the rubbermaid tote and took them out in the morning. I pre warmed the tote at night to check the temperature for them. I stopped using the heat lamp about 3 weeks but we really have hot weather here. They are 1 month old now and I am too nervous to let the hens near them, They are divided by 1 inch chicken wire so the hens cant peck at them.

 

[danamillette]

Great articles! Make sure you click next button to get to the "adding chicks to older flock" article!
Dana

 

[wxdude99]

Great links. Thanks! I'll keep them in the brooder for a couple more months then ease them in. One of my hens is very gentle, but the other can be a bully.