We have 15 2+ year old hens and 13 3-3.5 month old chicks. The chicks are quickly out growing the intermediate coop, it is not right next to the adult coop. We usually don't have so many chicks so we normally wait until about 5-6 months old before moving them. Our set up is currently intermediate coop is next to the house inside our fence. Adult coop is outside the fence about 60 yards away. I have been letting the chicks out to free range and get out their energy but they are tearing up the garden etc and I have exhausted ways to keep them out. The adult chicks mostly stay out of the yard when ranging, so I don't usually worry about them. I have been leaving the fence gate open so the chicks can explore out and the adults can come check them out. That has been working but not all the adults care to come check them out. It was my way to slowly introduce them on some neutral territory. Just setting up the scene here.
I'm reading that some of you integrate a lot earlier and all the different ways. But I haven't seen what you do about feed. I have been under the impression that chicks under 6 months old shouldn't be on layer feed. From what I understand the added calcium in the layer feed could mess up the chicks egg making parts if eaten too early. How do you integrate the flock but separate the feed, or do you? I'd like to try to introduce the chicks to the adult coop sooner if it's possible. But right now the adult coop is not set up to where we can separate them and allow them separated feeding stations.
I'm reading that some of you integrate a lot earlier and all the different ways. But I haven't seen what you do about feed. I have been under the impression that chicks under 6 months old shouldn't be on layer feed. From what I understand the added calcium in the layer feed could mess up the chicks egg making parts if eaten too early. How do you integrate the flock but separate the feed, or do you? I'd like to try to introduce the chicks to the adult coop sooner if it's possible. But right now the adult coop is not set up to where we can separate them and allow them separated feeding stations.