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Hi, got 2 chicks that are 4 weeks old, have been kept with their Mum and are now running around in an new large enclosed pen. We have a cock and another hen who are currently free range that we want to put into the pen too. At what age can we let the adults in with the chicks? The Mum is very protective and has tried to attack the dog when she got too close to the pen so will she see off any agression from the other adult chickens? Ta

Personally I would introduce the chicks at pol so spring next yr would be earliest imo. I have only hatched out about 50 chicks since last year some under broody some in incubater. It also depends on breed of them all. This year I got my 1st batch of pekins and my 2 silkies I have 3 pens 21 birds which is only 6 adult hens the rest are chicks so when they start crowing or laying in spring Il. Add them all into the adult. Iv lost 3 chicks to my non broody hens .crowing will end up down market pullets will stay as my breeding flock.what breed are your chicks?

if they are a natural hatch rather than incubator mum should protect them from uwanted attention by the others in the flock, incubator hatched we usually introduce to the flock at pol.

My 4 week old chick with her mum was placed back in the pen with the other hens last week... no problems to be honest - yes a few sqeuals as other hens got too close when mum was around. But they got to learn. As long no blood is drawn then all is well.