Chook Me!

When can I put new chicks in with my 1yr old hen and rooster?

I have a 1yr old hen and rooster that were raised together. The rest of the flock was killed by coons. I have just purchased 20 chicks. (and coon proofed my coop). When can I introduce my chicks to my hen and rooster? What is the best way to do this?

Public Comments

1. It's been a long time since I raised chickens. I will submit that you would be better off delaying the introduction until the new chickens are sexually mature adolescents. Still, you may lose a few.
2. I would not add the chicks until they are at least 3 months of age when they will have a fighting chance at the pecking order in the group. Hens and roosters can be pretty hard on chicks. Especially if they are small.
3. You can't mix them this young...the older birds will peck them. Possibly to death.
4. it might be best to wait till like around mid April or may.
5. The best way to do it, is put the chicks in a cage in the main run, and this way the original chooks will be able to investigate without causing harm, and wait till they are atleast 10 weeks old, around 20 weeks would be even better. good luck, at first of course they will peck the new comers (happens no matter what) but they will establish a new pecking order after a couple of days...