6 week olds trained to go to coop at dusk!

[NestingHillsSC]

question may b silly but i have to ask im told to feed my chicks
chick start and grow for 16 weeks when they start layin to switch to layer
pellets question is do i continue to fill their feed trough full and let them
eat as much as they want or is there a age limit i need to start cutting back
on their feeding

I raise a lot of chicks every year. There feeder is always full from chick till I sell or eat them. Once with older girls I give them oyster shells in a separate feeder. Let them eat what they need.

 

[redneck farmer]

When I trained my chicks to go into there coop I would just trap them in there all night for like a week an now they go in there all by them selfs

 

[Tamma]

Hi Everyone. I have 4 polish chicks that are 8 weeks old. I raised them inside and have had them out in their own small coop/run for a little over a week now. I am trying to eventually get them in with my 3 red sex link hens in the big coop/run. My idea is to put the hens up and let the polish out in the evenings for just an hour or so and keep them separated for a little while longer. The hens are very interested in the little chicks and are always pecking around their enclosure. I will try to integrate them at 10 weeks and see how it goes. My 3 hens are very docile but they've never been with other birds.

 

[NestingHillsSC]

I wish I could help you with this but I do not have experience with introducing new birds to established flocks. You may need to search it or maybe someone here will help with this question! Best of luck!

Hi Everyone. I have 4 polish chicks that are 8 weeks old. I raised them inside and have had them out in their own small coop/run for a little over a week now. I am trying to eventually get them in with my 3 red sex link hens in the big coop/run. My idea is to put the hens up and let the polish out in the evenings for just an hour or so and keep them separated for a little while longer. The hens are very interested in the little chicks and are always pecking around their enclosure. I will try to integrate them at 10 weeks and see how it goes. My 3 hens are very docile but they've never been with other birds.

When putting young birds in with older birds, think of one thing. Can they defend themselves!!

 

[Tamma]

Yes! I intend to closely supervise. Thanks, Tam

 

[hevaglenn]

I put my chicks in their coop 2 days ago at 5 weeks old. I left open the door into the run so they could explore but when it comes to night time they stay in the pen and not the coop, me and my daughter have had to put them in ourselves each night and I feel so bad as they sound really scared Should I lock them in their coop for a while so they can get used to it? I worry so much about them

 

[honestgilly]

I was the same way , stuffing chicks up into my coop hit they were 3 months old , all I can say is d

 

[honestgilly]

Is don't worry and continue to do this , it took my chicks about 2 weeks to learn ,, just keep putting them up there and I kept there food and water in the coop withy them

 

[hevaglenn]

Yeah i've been putting their food and water up in the coop with them on a night when Iock them in. Going to put them in before it gets too dark tonight as it has been quite dark the last 2 nights, hopefully they won't be as scared

 

[Tamma]

Quote: Just wanted to let y'all know that all of them are free-ranging and the hens don't bother the chicks at all. I really didn't have a problem at all. The hens chased them away if they got close but that was only for a day. They free-range in separate groups but are fine when all together. Thanks everyone!