Introducing new chicks

[spowell0302]

Hello,

We have 7 chickens approximately 6.5 months old. We just purchased 7 chicks end of February. Once old enough what is the best way to merge the new bids in with the larger birds? I’ve been told to put them in the coop at night and let nature take its course. I’ve also been told to put them together but have some chicken wire separating them.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Integrating:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-a-pictorial-guide.79343/


This is another excellent article on integrating flocks:


https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-chickens-step-by-step.72815/

 

[Mvan42]

I am sure both above articles have great advice.

I for one have my brooder built into my coop. So my hens always see my chicks from the beginning/ the chixks arrival. When the chicks get old enough/ big enough to allow them out of the brooder I have never had any issues other than the normal pecking order squabbling and thays normal. I like to leave thw brooder door open enough that the chicks fit but thw hens can't this gives the chicks a place to run and hide if they need to.