Yay,they're outside now!

[caliclucker]

I couldn't take it anymore!! I have 3 buff Orpington chicks that are now 8 weeks old. They have been living in a run and coming in to the brooder at night. The weather has warmed up and the night temps are in the 50s. They did just fine and are thriving. Now I gave to figure out when I can introduce them to the rest of the flock. They have been living amongst them already, just separated by chicken wire. The hens just seem to ignore the chicks. Any suggestions?

 

[BuffOrpington88]

Sounds good! Try letting them out with the hens for a little bit. If you can free range them for like 10 or 20 minutes togethter that would be great. If you can watch them while they're out together to make sure there's no bullying.

 

[Kevin565]

I believe chickens are different but most of us duck people start trying intergrate between 8 - 12 weeks.

 

[caliclucker]

Awesome, I'm very excited to get this flock integrated!

 

[bucky52]

i moved ten five week olds into their new coop and run about ten days ago.they are fully feathered out and enjoying being out in their run.
I also have three hens that are about 15 months old.they were my first chickens.well to make a long story short they are not happy at all.they are able to see each other.but do have wire seperating them.the big hens will push aganist(spelling) the wire and try to peck the babies.
the babies will stand their ground and will peck back at them.i hope in time the older hens will accept the little ones.

 

[RonC]

Sounds like they're just sorting out the pecking order bucky. They are going to do that at some time or another. I'd let them get used to each other a little before integrating.

 

[bucky52]

thanks.i was worried.

 

[bucky52]

whew,i was some what worried.thanks.

 

[bucky52]

sorry for the repeat.