How To Safely Introduce New Chicks to an Existing Flock
May 19, 2025
So, You’ve Raised Your Spring Chicks — Now What?
You raised the fluff balls, you cleaned the brooder, and now… you’ve got a flock of beautiful pullets and cockerels ready for the next step.
But how do you actually introduce them to the rest of your flock — without chaos?
Whether you’ve done this before or it’s your first time, integrating new birds into an established flock takes planning, patience, and a little strategy.
Here’s how we do it on our farm — and how you can do it too.
Why It Matters
The pecking order isn’t just a phrase — it’s real. Chickens live in a defined hierarchy, and introducing new birds causes a disruption to that structure. Those at the bottom (especially if they’re smaller or timid) may be pecked, bullied, or worse.
Some chicken keepers recommend tossing new birds onto the roost at night — and while that can work, we don’t recommend it as a default. It doesn’t give your existing flock time to adjust, and injuries can happen fast.
Instead, we believe in slow, steady, supervised integration.
Step-by-Step: How We Introduce New Chickens
- Crate Inside the Coop (See-But-Can’t-Touch Method)
Once chicks are off supplemental heat and daytime temps are mild, we place them in a wire dog crate inside the main coop. It’s outfitted with food, water, and a small roost. This lets both flocks see and smell each other safely for about a week. - Give Littles Room to Explore
After that week, we prop the crate open or lift it slightly so only the littles can come and go. They can explore, but still return to their “safe space” if needed. Make sure they still have access to food and water inside the crate — sometimes adults will guard shared resources. - Free Range With Supervision
During this phase, we free-range the adult flock first and let the chicks explore the empty coop. Then we start letting both groups free range together. Supervised time helps you intervene if squabbles go too far. - Monitor, Then Remove the Crate
After a week or so of positive interaction and no serious aggression, we remove the crate. The flocks have usually figured out the new hierarchy by this point — and everyone moves in together.
This is normal pecking order behavior: standing tall, vocalization, and running at one another.
Bonus: how we do it now with our extra hoop coop setup
One unexpected benefit of filming our build videos last year? We had extra coops!
That meant our brooder went straight into a 2-panel hoop coop on pasture. By week 3, the brooder was open during the day and the chicks were enjoying grass and sunshine. Our adult layers would visit and observe through the hardware cloth.
By the time we started free-ranging everyone together, they already knew each other — and the transition was smooth and safe.
Integrating Chicks Raised by a Broody Hen
When it comes to mama-raised chicks, the process is different — and often faster.
Right now, our Lakeside Egger Georgia is raising six chicks in an old chicken tractor. The flock can see and interact with them through the sides. When the chicks are big enough, we’ll free range them together — with mama acting as a bodyguard.
If you're working with a broody hen, integration can happen much earlier since she often provides natural protection from the rest of the flock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When can chicks join the flock?
Usually around 6–8 weeks, or once they’re fully feathered and can hold their own. Broody hen chicks can integrate sooner.
Q: What if my flock is aggressive?
Take it slower. Longer crate time, more supervision, and maybe a few extra treats or enrichment to keep everyone busy.
Q: Do I need a second coop?
Not necessarily! We've used crates, scrap materials, and even a flipped-over tote (ensure ventilation!) to provide temporary shelter during integration.
Final Thoughts
It’s more work than just tossing birds onto the roost at night — but it’s worth it.
A thoughtful introduction minimizes injury, stress, and disruption for everyone involved.
We’ve done it both ways — and slow, supervised integration wins every time.
