Chicken and chicklet question.

**Range** · 07-20-2008, 10:31 PM

I have two 4 year old hens and one 4 year old rooster in a pasture area. They aren't laying very consistently...it's HOT.

I'd like to "refresh" my flock and get some chicks. I'd keep the chicks in a small area, protected and warm, until they were feathered.

However, would the older hens and rooster peck them to death at that point? I know if I introduce a small amount to an established flock, this will happen. But how about a larger number?

Ferronsgranny · 07-20-2008, 11:26 PM

I have 4 baby chicks that are with the hens at night and they do okay but I do have a small area that they can go to get away from the larger ones. The worst offender is Momma hen.

I do have a misting system that I turn on during the hottest part of the day to help cool down the chickens

farmergal · 07-21-2008, 03:22 PM

I don't see where you'll have much of a problem as you only have 2 hens. They will try to establish a pecking order. If given enough room the chicklets can get out of their way. My young roosters pose more of a problem than the older one but still he could try to lay claim to the young hens. Grabbing them as they pass by. Once they figure out that they are now his things will settle down. It could take a few days though.

Like Ferronsgranny said you can mist them during the heat of the day. Either that or get them AC in their coop.

If I had a coop I'd have a fan rigged up for them but then we don't get summers like you do.

crittermom · 07-27-2008, 10:04 PM

I don't introduce my new hens to the flock until they are about four to five months old. I have never had a problem with the older hens hurting the younger ones. They may never be a completely cohesive flock (heck, I don't have that now), but for the most part all is good.

CountryMama · 07-28-2008, 04:42 PM

When I introduced my 5 chicks to the older chickens it went pretty good with the hens but the rooster ended up killing one of my chicks. The rooster had an accident later that day and since then the hens have established dominace in the coop but I never saw them treat the chicks harshly. If the hens came in the chicks would just get out of the way until the hens were done. The chicks are big enough to be laying now so they pretty much take care of themselves when it comes to the older girls. Kind of like having to live with your mother-in-law...you only get picked on for so long before you pick back

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07-20-2008, 10:31 PM
Range Super Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Back of Beyond Posts: 5,751	Chicken and chicklet question. I have two 4 year old hens and one 4 year old rooster in a pasture area. They aren't laying very consistently...it's HOT. I'd like to "refresh" my flock and get some chicks. I'd keep the chicks in a small area, protected and warm, until they were feathered. However, would the older hens and rooster peck them to death at that point? I know if I introduce a small amount to an established flock, this will happen. But how about a larger number? __________________ If it harms none, do what you will.

07-20-2008, 11:26 PM
Ferronsgranny Started Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Big Creek, MS Posts: 2,050	I have 4 baby chicks that are with the hens at night and they do okay but I do have a small area that they can go to get away from the larger ones. The worst offender is Momma hen. I do have a misting system that I turn on during the hottest part of the day to help cool down the chickens __________________ Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

07-21-2008, 03:22 PM
farmergal Seasoned Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 4,818	I don't see where you'll have much of a problem as you only have 2 hens. They will try to establish a pecking order. If given enough room the chicklets can get out of their way. My young roosters pose more of a problem than the older one but still he could try to lay claim to the young hens. Grabbing them as they pass by. Once they figure out that they are now his things will settle down. It could take a few days though. Like Ferronsgranny said you can mist them during the heat of the day. Either that or get them AC in their coop. If I had a coop I'd have a fan rigged up for them but then we don't get summers like you do. __________________

07-27-2008, 10:04 PM
crittermom Started Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 2,528	I don't introduce my new hens to the flock until they are about four to five months old. I have never had a problem with the older hens hurting the younger ones. They may never be a completely cohesive flock (heck, I don't have that now), but for the most part all is good. __________________ Peace!! I wish the people of the world could get along as well as the animals in my backyard.

07-28-2008, 04:42 PM
CountryMama Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 577	When I introduced my 5 chicks to the older chickens it went pretty good with the hens but the rooster ended up killing one of my chicks. The rooster had an accident later that day and since then the hens have established dominace in the coop but I never saw them treat the chicks harshly. If the hens came in the chicks would just get out of the way until the hens were done. The chicks are big enough to be laying now so they pretty much take care of themselves when it comes to the older girls. Kind of like having to live with your mother-in-law...you only get picked on for so long before you pick back __________________ Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, sausage in one hand, beer in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO, WHAT A RIDE!" --Unknown--