[jo40]

Hello
I have found info on here about introducing chicks and their brooder to a flock, but I can't find anything about chicks raised by an artificial broody.
I have 4 cream legbars at 9 weeks old. they have been in the main run for 3 weeks but with their own little house and separated from the rest by by chicken wire.
One of them is a 'right little tough nut'  :blink:I can see she is going to be trouble, jumping up trying to square up to the orpingtons I guess this might change when she has no chicken wire to protect her!!
How long should I leave it before I take the divider down and begin introducing them to the main house, My original thoughts were when they reach a similar size or 12 weeks ish but after what I've read I'm wondering if it could be sooner.
Thanks Jo 

 

[Sassy]

I am NOT an expert here but many folk on here introduce their babies at about 5/6 weeks old. Orpingtons are usually very placid.

[SMD66]

as they are along side each other they might  not be too bad when you introduce them, however, if they are a similar size they will be less likely to be picked on.

There will be a certain amount of squaring up and squabbling whenever they are introduced, it is natural behaviour to establish the pecking order.  As long as they all have plenty of room then it shouldn't get too violent or nasty.  They usually work themselves out in a week or 2.

Maybe try them under supervision and seperate them for a little longer if need be.

[kimT]

Have a look at my post here................same applies.

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=46863.0

[jo40]

Thanks
So it is just the same as introducing older birds?
That process usually takes me about a week after quarantine as the squaring up and bickering usually happens within a couple of days. However, mostly the chicks are timid and spend a lot of time hiding in their shelter.
I opened the separating fence for a while yesterday, the big ones all descended on the chicks area, they weren't particularly nasty but the chicks were terrified and spent 2 hours hiding in their shelter (the big ones can't fit through the door).
I decided the close the gap again as the chicks wouldn't go near their food or water.
Should I leave them separate for a couple more weeks, until the chicks are a big bigger and more confident?   
Jo   

[SMD66]

I would say yes to that, but maybe do a few more of the trial introductions in the mean time.

[jo40]

Thanks, I will do that, I will open the gap for a couple of hours each day and see how it goes
Jo