[needssomehelp]

i have got my first lot of hatched chicks in a coop+run inside of the run of my big girls (hope you know what i mean lol) they are 7 wekks old but only been outside for a couple of days. what age do they have to be before i can let them out to live with my girls in the big coop? thanks in advance x x

[Robster]

Last year I introduced my two new POL chickens to my established hens, free ranging in a smallish area.  The top hen really went for them.  When I took her away, the next in command went for them.  Eventually I took all three established hens out and over the next 4 weeks re-introduced them to the new girls.  Eventually it all settled down.  No doubt I did it all wrong and someone will tell me so and how I should have done it (I hope so).  I would be very careful and don't turn your back until you are sure.  Good luck, let us know how it goes

[D]

As Robster said, the top hen(s) will assert their authority. I was advised not to introduce chicks to an adult flock until they were atleast 16 weeks old. This should mean the birds have the pace and strength to cope with the 'attacks'. I know someone who made the mistake of putting some very young Silkie chicks in with some 'elderly' hybrids and the result wasn't very pretty to say the least 

[needssomehelp]

16 weeks, i didnt realise it would be that long before they can go together
gonna have to make the babies coop that is in the big girls run a bit bigger, it wont take 5 16 week old chickens!
just have to sweet talk hubby for a bit more work to be done