I have about 4 chickens that are about 2 years old. I just recently acquired 3 baby chics. The chics have been living in my bathroom for about 4 weeks now and they are getting rowdy and flighty. I think the chics at about 6 weeks old-give or take.....My question is-When is it a good idea to move chics to the outdoor coop and what is the best way to integrate them into the flock? Since this is my first experience with chics-any advise would help.
Thanks in advance!
When can my chics leave the nest?
If the weather is warm enough you could move them out now. If they were with a mama hen she should have them out and about already. Just make sure you have a good house for them at night where they will stay warm and safe.
We introduced our little ones to the older flock when they reached about 5 months. They are pretty much full grown at 6 months. There will be pecking and some fighting as they all decide who is where in the pecking order, but that is normal. They adapt quite easily.
if you have any troubles, you might consider keeping them separate outside fo r a while, that will reduce the pecking order establishment. just have them next to each other and a wire in between wher they can see each other. i think i got that info from somewhere on this site.
www.guineafowl.com
congrats on your new chicks!
Thanks for the update and encouragement. I don't have a "mama" hen so I may take Tamara's advice and keep them separated but still able to view each other. It is staying around 50 at night now in Tucson-absolutely fantastic weather but I was worried it would be too cold. I suppose they are a bit more durable that I think they are! Super cute though. I have two rhode island reds and one auricana (sp) ....the hens outside are Jersey Giants!
Jersey Giants are docile birds. But 50 is a bit cold. they need about 70. try a little 40 or 60 watt bulb if you can. if not, perhaps just closing the door before the sun goes down and giving them lots of bedding will keep them warm enough...
Yes you want to keep them warm when they are that young. I wouldn't attempt putting them with the older ones till they are about 6 months of age, but keeping them close to them will get the others used to having them around. We had our babies temporary pen right next to the older ones and then just put them in with the others at 5 or 6 months.
Thank you for all your advise! Both me and the chics really appreciate it!