Look don’t touch question

[CrockChickens9]

Quick update. Cluttering up the run did help. She is not just pacing and plucking feathers anymore. I built a new structure that will hopefully help with integration when the time comes to mix them. Just not there yet. I did attempt to free range them together briefly and when they were close she got one cornered against the run. Was just pecking her (nothing overly aggressive) but the chick seemed to be struggling to get away and was crying out so I broke it up and she went off to free range in a different area and they never interacted after that. I think I’m definitely going to wait until they are pretty much equal size. I’m thinking closer to 12 weeks before I make any big moves. Just being cautious bc I can and I really want the chicks to be able to with stand a bit more just in case. Is there any draw backs to waiting? How is everyone else doing with their integrations? Thanks!

 

[BenisonsChickns]

Haven’t tried introductions yet, one the new girls has a bloody tail feather tonight so have her some blu kote, plan to trim their wings in the next week or two and maybe let them free range a bit and let the older ladies watch from in the coop…. Hopefully by the second week in December they should be big enough to start introducing.

 

[CrockChickens9]

I’ve read a few places people saying it’s best to integrate when chicks are not too old but then other places that it’s easier if they are close in size. Does anyone have experiences with which may be preferable? I’m letting mine get bigger to integrate but now I’m wondering if that is the best idea. Any input it appreciated! Thanks!

 

[BenisonsChickns]

I’ve read a few places people saying it’s best to integrate when chicks are not too old but then other places that it’s easier if they are close in size. Does anyone have experiences with which may be preferable? I’m letting mine get bigger to integrate but now I’m wondering if that is the best idea. Any input it appreciated! Thanks!

Interested to hear the experienced chicken folks opinions on this….

 

[aart]

then other places that it’s easier if they are close in size.

Yep, that's the advice I took for my first integration, it didn't go well.
Since then I've done this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

 

[CrockChickens9]

Yep, that's the advice I took for my first integration, it didn't go well.
Since then I've done this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

Interesting! Thank you for the information! I guess that ship has sailed with this batch but definitely something to consider for the future. My chicks are 10 weeks. Do you think in my circumstances I should start mixing now or continue to wait? It’s getting ridiculous that my 2 big birds have all this space and my 4 chicks (who are getting pretty big) are so limited. I know chickens do kill other chickens and obviously hurt them but how common is this? Is it more likely that they will peck feathers and deny food and water? I am at home most days so I can definitely heavily monitor especially at first but just curious how bad it can get and how long I would need to be concerned about them hurting each other. Sorry for 20 questions I just have no experience! Thanks!

 

[aart]

It’s getting ridiculous that my 2 big birds have all this space and my 4 chicks (who are getting pretty big) are so limited.

Not sure if it's been suggested, but I'd put the 2 older birds in the pen the chicks are in and let the chicks have the run of the coop.

 

[tlcmurphy]

A month ago I got two 8 week old chicks to add to my two 3.5 yo bossy BO. I confined the chicks to a 4’X20’ run while the big girls had the coop and a smaller run (4X8’ but they get to free range in the afternoon). I did this for 2 weeks. Then I let them mingle in the whole set up while still letting the big girls out in the afternoon. The little ones still slept under the coop not in it.

Just tonight, after almost 2 weeks together all day, all 4 birds are in the coop without any bloodshed. I consider that a win for sure!

The last time I tried to add a bird of the same age (1 new bird to 3 OG birds all 5 months old), it went very badly. Blood was shed, butts were plucked and the new girl had to be rehomed within a month for her safety.

 

[CrockChickens9]

Not sure if it's been suggested, but I'd put the 2 older birds in the pen the chicks are in and let the chicks have the run of the coop.

now that you say that, I do think someone mentioned doing that. I forgot about it. I’ll give it a try! Should I switch them completely until they are together or just for periods of time? Thanks!

 

[CrockChickens9]

A month ago I got two 8 week old chicks to add to my two 3.5 yo bossy BO. I confined the chicks to a 4’X20’ run while the big girls had the coop and a smaller run (4X8’ but they get to free range in the afternoon). I did this for 2 weeks. Then I let them mingle in the whole set up while still letting the big girls out in the afternoon. The little ones still slept under the coop not in it.

Just tonight, after almost 2 weeks together all day, all 4 birds are in the coop without any bloodshed. I consider that a win for sure!

The last time I tried to add a bird of the same age (1 new bird to 3 OG birds all 5 months old), it went very badly. Blood was shed, butts were plucked and the new girl had to be rehomed within a month for her safety.

Oh no! Im so glad it worked for you this time. I guess I should just bite the bullet and start while they are still a bit smaller! Thank you!