I have the space to attach a smaller run with coop inside to my current chicken housing. These little guys are a polish and a houdan, so they are just smaller and less apt since they can't see that great. They are seeming to do okay, except I have to put them into the coop at night, they won't follow the big girls (and the roo...who is a girly roo). I'm thinking if I make a new area for them next to our current chicken housing development that they might feel safer; give them their own house and safe area. I wouldn't give access into the other area, but I could I guess. Should I go through with doing this this weekend?
Are the older birds picking on them? I would try giving them some of their favorite treats in the coop in the evenings when you want them to go in. It worked for me.
They do pick on them, but not constantly. It is more like, you are crowding me little bird, don't eat the food I'm eating. They are doing quite well, just the little ones won't go in at night, and sometimes try to stay away from the older ones. I did an inventory of wood on our property and could actually put it together without buying anything. I didn't do it this weekend because my yard had to be cleaned (stupid leaves falling from trees). And with the smoke in the air that already had me feeling it in my lungs. I think I will slowly work on it this weekend.
I am currently considering having a second flock of chickens that I want just for eyecandy; either some polish or silkies (*gasp* there I said it speckledhen! ). If I decide to do so I plan on a second coop and run. I just don't think they could compete very well with my big ol' brutes, aka LF brahmas. If you have the resources, I say go for it. I think they may be happier in their own little flock, JMO.
