Adding to the flock.. What feed? When?

[ALChickGal]

Hi, Friends!

I bought some chicks to add to my existing flock (23 hens) about 10 weeks ago. So, they are now about 11 weeks old. The new birds are Copper Marans and Blue Ameraucanas. Is it too early to add them to my existing flock? The existing hens are 1 year old. If I add them, what do I do about feed? The hens are eating laying pellets right now. And the young chickens are eating grower. I have been letting them forage together for about 3-4 hrs each day this last week trying to get them acquainted w/ one another.

Thanks for any advice in advance! Blessings!

 

[Judy]

I would be very reluctant to add them directly. They do better if they live side by side for a few weeks where they can see each other, til they are all about the same size. Then you can provide some distractions, and extra food/water stations, and hopefully lots of fpace, when you mix them.

People do this many different ways, and every flock is different in how attacking and damaging the process of establishing a new pecking order is. it can go very peacefully -- or not, Here is a thread about different experiences:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/803815/integrating-two-groups/0_20

 

[ALChickGal]

Thanks so much. They are near each other. And, I have been letting them forage together every day for 3-4 hours daily. So far, they have checked them out.. but, not hurt them. The young ones (8 of them) are pretty much staying together as they move around. It is a big area. We also put them in the house and run for a bit as we stood out there to watch over them. So, do you think I should wait another month or two?

 

[chicklover1828]

I have five 3 week old speckled Sussex chicks and only 1 or 2 has diarrhea and I don't know what to do someone tell me it's not all the chicks just one. I keep grit rock down and feed them crumble and they have clean water food and a cage daily

 

[ALChickGal]

Are you feeding them Chick Starter?

 

[LindaB220]

I have five 3 week old speckled Sussex chicks and only 1 or 2 has diarrhea and I don't know what to do someone tell me it's not all the chicks just one. I keep grit rock down and feed them crumble and they have clean water food and a cage daily

Check out the idea of fermenting your feed. So healthy and saves money.

http://www.tikktok.wordpress.com/2014/13/fermented-feed-faq/

 

[ALChickGal]

I do this already! I also sprouted seeds over the winter months. We plant oats, clover, etc. for them, too. I agree.. so healthy for them. Have you used kefir?

 

[chicklover1828]

I dont know the place i buy feed from has its own feed i dont think its medicated. Im mew to owning chickens i dont want anything that will harm the others.

 

[LindaB220]

I dont know the place i buy feed from has its own feed i dont think its medicated. Im mew to owning chickens i dont want anything that will harm the others.

You have come to the right place. We all have questions. Do you live in an area that has a feed store. Or a town that has a feed mill? If you're just starting out I'd not worry about the med or unmed feed. I prefer unmed but others may say different. On my first day here I discovered the joy of fermented feeds. There are several threads. Read the last 10 pages of Fermented feed for Meat Birds and it has a link to all your answers. Benefits? Use a lot less feed, less smelly poop, healthier birds, and so easy to do. Best find for me on the whole forum. BeeKissed is the best mentor.

 

[chicklover1828]

ok ill try that and see what happens. yes right down the road is a feed store its where i bought my chickens, their feed, grit, and more.