This afternoon I decided to see what would happen if I let the chicks mix with the rest of the flock. I thought it was time to see if they were ready for the start of integration.
I opened their gate but of course the main flock piled into the chick’s area and the chicks couldn’t get out. The girls would run at them and the chicks were scared. I decided this wasn’t a good idea.
I ushered the chicks through the hatch and put the divider in. I then closed the gate to the chick’s area so that the main flock were in the chick’s small area. I then ushered the chicks into the main flock’s area and shut that gate. I next opened the hatch again so that now the main flock had all of the chick’s half of the run and the chicks could explore the main flock’s half of the run.
The first thing the chicks did was go to the perch in the extension part of the run.
The chicks found this perch straight away
The chicks looked happy to stay on this perch but I wanted them to get to know the rest of this half of the run. I ushered them down from the perch and guided them to the rest of the run.
One of them gazed out at the view of the outside world and seemed transfixed by this new view.
The bravest one which I think was Peaches discovered the food bowl and the water bowl on the patio area. Barley walked the wire wanting to get back into the area she is used to even though it contained the scary girls.
After half an hour I decided this was enough for the first day. When the main flock all went into the extension half of the chick’s side of the run I closed the hatch. I then opened the chicks gate and they ran back in with no need for any encouragement. I closed their gate and opened up the other gate. All the girls were now back on their sides.
I think I need to take this integration very slowly as the chicks are only two months old and so much smaller than the rest of the flock. There is no hurry as there is plenty of space for them to stay separate but I think it is good for the chicks to explore the other side of the run. I think it will make it easier for them when they mix if they are familiar with all of the run.
I will do this again tomorrow but will separate them first rather than just opening the gate. Perhaps tomorrow I will give the chicks a bit longer on the other side of the run. I am happy with any progress and am in no hurry to push things along.
Click here to see the history of my flock.
I found that when I mixed new girls with the oldies they had to explore the new area for a day or so first because they need to know where an escape route was if needed or a hidey hole .
After a few days I am sure they will be fine doing as you are doing .
I agree. I think it is important that they grow confident with the other side of the run before any mixing and I am in no hurry. I think being younger it will be better to go slowly.