6 chicks 8 wks old start roosting 2 hrs before dusk, is this ok?

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JanPaulchicks

JanPaulchicks

Chirping
Apr 7, 2015
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The chicks since being in the brooder have been settling down at dusk. They have been in their coop for 4 weeks now and they still go on their perches at same time ( 6.30pm UK) even though now dusk is after 8.30pm.
Is this normal?
Will they adjust?

We have an older flock and for a few hours over the last week they have shared the much larger run with the chicks. I did wonder if the chicks go in early because they are chased by a couple of hens?

We now keep them separate again.

There's one gate and fencing separating each run so they can see each other. When I go to open the gate I have to block the way for the hens not to come out and keep an eye on the chicks from not running in!!! The chicks run so fast!
Thanks for help, lots of info here!
Jan
 
2 separate coops, 1 dividable run?

Could be the chicks are staying out of the bigger birds way, that's pretty normal....up until point of lay, then there might be more mingling.

8 weeks might be a bit young to fully integrate, depends on lots of things...but it sounds like you have a good separation setup and eventually you can let them together all the time...as long as no one is being bloodied or pinned down and abused, just let them work it out.

Multiple feed/water stations, places to hide out of line of sight and separate roosts can help alot.
 
Thanks Aart

We have 2 coups and 2 runs which can be open via the middle gate.

Yes have seen 1 hen come up behind a chick then peck it!! No reason
Another hen chases the chicks - this one has been bullied in the past and I guess simply passing it on. No blood seen yet.

The chicks run away from all hens but 3 hens are not bothered about the chicks.
We are leaving them separate until back home after a break.
There are places to hide
 

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