I am new to this website. I have an older hen that was originally from a group of 8 chicks that we got about 4 years ago. I would like to get some more chicks but am afraid of what the older hen might do to them.
I had the same concern earlier this summer when I bought 6 day old chicks. I kept them indoors under a heat light for 2-3 weeks in my garage and had heard that sometimes an older chicken can kill youngr ones. Anyway, I put them in the coop and kept an eye on them for 30 minutes or so. The older hen was really interested, and one of the chicks even tested his luck by pecking at the feet and hood of the hen, but she took it well. The next day the chicks were following her around the yard like a flock that had been together for a long time. I would suggest keeping an eye on them. I think the worst thing that would happen is that you will have to let the chicks get a bit bigger if the first introduction doesn't go well. Also, it is probably much better to have a bunch of new chicks and one older hen than to have a bunch of older hens and only a few new chicks.... the chicks wouldn't get ganged up on so much. Good luck.
I have 18 chicks that are about 16 weeks old. I'd like to put them in with the rest of my flock that are much older. I am worried that they will get picked at and not get along. They are in pens right next to each other seperated by fencing. The chicks have been outside now for about a month or more. What do you suggest? Please and thanks, Jason
I had the same concern earlier this summer when I bought 6 day old chicks. I kept them indoors under a heat light for 2-3 weeks in my garage and had heard that sometimes an older chicken can kill youngr ones. Anyway, I put them in the coop and kept an eye on them for 30 minutes or so. The older hen was really interested, and one of the chicks even tested his luck by pecking at the feet and hood of the hen, but she took it well. The next day the chicks were following her around the yard like a flock that had been together for a long time. I would suggest keeping an eye on them. I think the worst thing that would happen is that you will have to let the chicks get a bit bigger if the first introduction doesn't go well. Also, it is probably much better to have a bunch of new chicks and one older hen than to have a bunch of older hens and only a few new chicks.... the chicks wouldn't get ganged up on so much. Good luck.
Thanks so much for the information. I sure do miss our fresh eggs. I guess I'll go buy some chicks. Thanks again for sharing.
I have 18 chicks that are about 16 weeks old. I'd like to put them in with the rest of my flock that are much older. I am worried that they will get picked at and not get along. They are in pens right next to each other seperated by fencing. The chicks have been outside now for about a month or more. What do you suggest? Please and thanks, Jason