Chook Me!

How and when to introduce chicks to chickens?

I have three 6 month old pullets and getting some day old chicks soon. When and how can we put them together?

Public Comments

1. i am wondering the excact same thing!
2. It depends if you have a rooster, if you do, and you put the chicks in, then the rooster will kill all of them. Wait until the chicks have more feathers and have generally lost their cuteness before putting them in together with any other chickens. I know this is a vague answer but when you think they are old enough to fend for themselves then you should allow them to run around. Have a set time every day when the chicks can have a peck about before shutting them in again. When the chicks have grown a little, then they can be released with the pullets, but gradually, as in having one pullet out and all the chicks, next week two pullets and all the chicks, and so forth.
3. You have to waite till the peeps are old enough to protect them selves before you ever release with older birds since the birds will be small the roo will kill if gets a chance the hens will bascialy chase away from feeds or run down since the birds will be smaller than the ones you have now. Waite till at least 5-6 months to release out to other birds. This way the birds will be fully feathered strong beaks feet and be able to get out of the way of others if need be.Then you do this slowly take new birds and place in a large enough cage and place in the yard so all birds can see and hear all the new birds will come around to see whats in the cage this will protect the new birds from harm from roo or hens.Let new birds in this all day be sure to place pen in a spot wher they wont be in the sun all day have water and feed for them as well.Dont need a bottom for this cage this allows birds to scrach and peck in yard. Do this for about a week the older birds will become use to them and the same goes for smaller bunch.Make sure to pen up at night frist before you allow olde rbirds to enter coop if they all share 1 coop these little ones should be cooped up with a locked door If in a coop by them selves then let set in coop till morning again. When you do release these birds in with the others watch them all make sure roo does not attack and If have another roo this will happen.The hens will start a fuss but in most cases they seem to do well after the new birds understand the pecking order. I have raised peeps with older birds i keep my peeps in a well built cage till 5 months this way they are big enough and then can tell how many roos I have since the roos start to crow around 4- 5 months.I say pen up at night because critters will try to get dogs cats snakes racoons skunks fox etc etc. this can happen during the day as well.The roo you have now belives hes the ruler of the ladies and wont want another comming around to mess with his ladies.
4. This depends entirely on your chickens. I wouldn't put them in at all until they are old enough to fend for themselves. Once the chicks are a few months old and at least close in size with the pullets, I'd put them in with the others and keep an eye on them. Chances are they will fight at first, for a few days until they can reestablish a pecking order. It might be best to introduce them on neutral ground, if at all possible.