Introducing new chooks to the existing lot?

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Introducing new chooks to the existing lot?

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JH

Joined: 19 May 2006
Posts: 40
Location: Aberdeenshire

Posted: Tue Jun 27, 06 5:36 pm Post subject: Introducing new chooks to the existing lot?

At what age is it recommended you introduce new chooks to the existing flock? Our chicks are now 4 weeks old and I think a little way off being introduced - but what age should we be aiming for? Does it matter? Can you introduce them directly or does it have to be via introduction pen/box? There will be some pecking I would imagine until order is restored but at what point do you intervene and seperate? I've scoured Katie Thears Free Range Poultry book but she's a bit confusing and I can't see any specific advice.

We have 5 x 4 week old Light Sussex (4 female, 1 cockerel) plus the broody LS and need to introduce them to 3 x 21 week old Bovans Nera.

Any tips hints etc would be very much appreciated.

judith

Joined: 16 Dec 2004
Posts: 22789
Location: Montgomeryshire

Posted: Wed Jun 28, 06 9:37 am Post subject:

When I have new chicks to introduce, I put them in a separate pen in the main chicken area for the existing birds to get used to them. I would put them out there once they are fully feathered and off heat, just making sure that the big birds can't get to them.
I would keep them separate until they are roughly of the same size, preferably until the pullets are starting to lay. When they start to lay, they seem to go up in the pecking order and are much less likely to be picked on.

I don't know how big the Bovans Nera birds are, but LS are a good solid chicken, so you might be able to mix them a little earlier, i.e. about 12 - 15 weeks. If you do, I would do it when you are able to keep an eye on them for a couple of days, so you can pull them out again if there is serious bullying (rather than just a bit of pecking and ruffled feathers).

That's what I would do - other people may have different methods.

saffranne

Joined: 23 Aug 2005
Posts: 428

Posted: Wed Jun 28, 06 10:13 am Post subject:
same thing here,the roadies and legbar are in an enclosure of their own in the paddock where the others can see them,it will be quite a while before i let them out with the others i tend to do that at night when the others are asleep,and i do spray a little of antipecking spray on the tail feathers they are only 10wks old,it will be a couple of mnth before they are out and about

JH

Joined: 19 May 2006
Posts: 40
Location: Aberdeenshire

Posted: Wed Jun 28, 06 10:25 am Post subject:
OK - seems like an intro pen then. Thanks both

Jonnyboy

Joined: 29 Oct 2004
Posts: 23956
Location: under some rain.

Posted: Wed Jun 28, 06 11:08 am Post subject:
I introduced mine at night when they are calmer, and I sprayed all the birds with a mist of very dilute vinegar which gave them all the same spell. The cock was a bit agressive at first but the hens were quite accepting.

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