Introducing Chicks to a flock?

Hi, 

We are have 9 birds and 5 are in our coop. The others are about 6 weeks?. We haven't ever introduced new chickens to a flock, what age and how can we do this. The chicks have been in our turtles cage that is a little bit apart from our coop. 

thanks

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  • When your chicks are feathered out you can take them outside, though you may want to give them some nightime heat this time of year.  We always put a box in the big coop that has a "door" into it and a light above. That lets the little ones go out during the day and back to the box at night.

    To socialize them with the big birds, you can either take the top of the box off during the day so the big birds see them, or put them in a cage inside of the big coop. That allows the big birds to get used to the little ones and they learn to interact. After a few days, let them out, but give them a way back in that is too small for the big birds. That way the big birds can't follow & they have a safe place to hang out in. It won't be too long before all the birds will be hanging out together during the day. Then start working your babies to the big-kid roost.

    Keep in mind that there is always a pecking order, and older birds who have established territories usually win out. So you can expect some bossing around...just watch for abuse. :)

    • I agree. These sound like good techniques. It is a bit harder when integrating adult birds into a flock. Then it helps if there are larger numbers. Otherwise, it takes longer than described above.

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