[Carla]

I've reserved 2 bluebell chicks, aged 6 weeks, to be collected this weekend  I've been informed they're on growers pellets, have been vaccinated and can live outside if I so wish. So now what??
I have a large indoor rabbit hutch for them to reside in for now, growers pellets, chick drinker. How do I go about moving them outside and introducing them to my ex-batts, and at what age should I do this??
Looking forward to my first step into chick rearing, there's just so much conflicting info on the web, it's difficult to know whats what xxx

[Newbie]

I would start them off outside if you can.  Preferably as close to your other hens in an adjoining run.  Won't stop all hell breaking loose when you actually put them in together but at least they will have seen and heard each other
Can you put some felt on the hutch to make it weather tight?

[Carla]

Its more of a cage than a hutch, so I couldnt felt it, it has a plastic bottom and a wire top. I could place the whole cage inside the chicken run during the day, the chicks would be safe and still be able to see the ex-batts. I could also fence off a bit of the run for the chicks and let them out to scratch about. Would it be ok to move the rabbit cage into the shed overnight? What age do I let them physically meet the ex-batts?

[joyfull]

without a broody to protect them it is generally recommended to wait until they are big enough to hold their own - usually around 14-16 weeks.

[Carla]

Thanks Joyfull. They can have thier own coop and run next to the girls and they can all learn to love one another