3 questions. Always learning.

[Priscilla's mom]

Hello, Hopefully some folks will want to share their experience. This is my second year with chickens. My first bunch were textbook. My new girls from spring seem to do everything differently!
1) Any tips on integrating? the young ones are 20 weeks and probably full grown. I'm kind of scared about my older girls reaction. Anything I can do to make it easier?
2) One out of the 4 babies started laying. So far she doesn't like any of the egg laying cubbies, which will be resolved when they are in with the big girls, but in the meantime, little eggs right on the ground
3) The bigger girls are molting. Feathers everywhere. How long does this go on? Does this start the natural slow down of production for winter if I choose not to use artificial lighting, or will they start laying again when new feathers come in?
Thanks!

 

[Dayrel]

#2- It will be a while before your flocks are integrated. I'd recommend getting your layer "fixed" before then. Have you tried the fake egg or golf ball trick yet?

 

[lazy gardener]

PM, is there a reason why you haven't put the youngsters in with the adults yet? Many of us have found that integration goes much easier when we do it early, often as young as 2 - 3 weeks (@azygous ) is the queen of early integration. See her how-to article at her signature. The sooner you get them integrated, the better, as long as you have enough room in coop and run. Give them multiple feed and water stations, multi level, and out of sight but no dead end spaces in coop and run. good if you can offer multiple perches. Give them plenty to do: a bale of hay, deep litter in coop and run with some scratch tossed into the litter, if you do any free range at all, do the intro during free range time.

Molting: every bird marches to a different drummer! Either they will start laying right off after their molt, or they will take a break until days start getting longer.

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

I have a great article about integration. IT's a lot of information which is why I'm not explaining on the thread. Visit my page to see it!

 

[Priscilla's mom]

#2- It will be a while before your flocks are integrated. I'd recommend getting your layer "fixed" before then. Have you tried the fake egg or golf ball trick yet?

Going to try that tomorrow. a second one was acting so strange tonight. Kept looking at me making a sound over and over for about a half hour. I tried to get her to notice the nesting box. I think she is ready, too.

 

[Priscilla's mom]

I have a great article about integration. IT's a lot of information which is why I'm not explaining on the thread. Visit my page to see it!

going to look for it now! Thanks

 

[Priscilla's mom]

PM, is there a reason why you haven't put the youngsters in with the adults yet? Many of us have found that integration goes much easier when we do it early, often as young as 2 - 3 weeks (@azygous ) is the queen of early integration. See her how-to article at her signature. The sooner you get them integrated, the better, as long as you have enough room in coop and run. Give them multiple feed and water stations, multi level, and out of sight but no dead end spaces in coop and run. good if you can offer multiple perches. Give them plenty to do: a bale of hay, deep litter in coop and run with some scratch tossed into the litter, if you do any free range at all, do the intro during free range time.

Molting: every bird marches to a different drummer! Either they will start laying right off after their molt, or they will take a break until days start getting longer.

I'm nervous. Don't want anyone hurt. My older ones are very spoiled and have strong personalities. I do let them free range together in the afternoon when I am outside with them. they mostly mind their own business, but they have lots of space. Thanks for all the good ideas. I guess I thought they had to be the same size.

 

[Priscilla's mom]

I have a great article about integration. IT's a lot of information which is why I'm not explaining on the thread. Visit my page to see it!

Yes, that was very helpful. They have been together in the coop with a separation to see each other both inside and out since they had adult feathers. So, I just have to do it and hope for the best

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

You can let the older girls meet the new ones through a fence if your nervous. Or put them in a large cage to let the big girls check them out. You will see pecking and chasing. There is no getting around it. Everyone has to learn their place in the flock. I agree with giving them all something to do. A scratch scavenger hunt is good to keep them occupied and they associate yummy treats with the new additions.
Your new layers may have a change of heart on where to lay once in the big house. See how it goes then worry about it if it doesn't change. LOL
Molting is a rough time for birdies. They are working in making feathers not eggs. Some will come out of the molt and lay right away. Others may hold off a little longer. Some won't lay without supplemental light through the winter. I have girls that molt in August and don't lay till January. I have a first year molting and laying eggs! You just never know. All chickens are different.

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

Yes, that was very helpful. They have been together in the coop with a separation to see each other both inside and out since they had adult feathers. So, I just have to do it and hope for the best

I'm glad it helped! Hopefully, all goes smoothly!!!!