Can they move in with the big chickens?

[Missy020219]

I have 2, 9 week chicks. I also have 13, 5 month chickens. The chicks are eating grower now and the hens and Roos are eating laying mash and chicken scratch. I was wondering if I could let my chicks out with the big chickens and just mix the layer with grower. Or is that not a good idea?

 

[CluckerFamily]

I always do a 2-3 week see but no touch integration.
The entire flock can be on grower feed, no mixing of feed.

 

[AllyTCat]

I would never move my chicks/pullets in with my hens because the hens will try to eat the chicks toes and eyes and peck them to keep them low in the pecking order so I’ll wait till they’re old enough to defend themselves, since they’ll be bigger than my hens

 

[black_cat]

Your should be old enough to start integration, but don't just throw them all together. As @CluckerFamily said, 2-3 weeks of see but don't touch time is great. Use chicken wire, HC, or welded wire to create a barrier. Spread scratch or treats on both sides along the barrier so that they can get used to eating with each other. Eventually, add some holes in it- large enough for littles but too small for the big girls to fit through. That way the chickies can have a space to escape to. When you do this, make sure that there are things to hide behind, under, on top of, etc. Add multiple food and water stations.

 

[Missy020219]

I always do a 2-3 week see but no touch integration.
The entire flock can be on grower feed, no mixing of feed.

They are in a cage where the hens can see them, but can’t get to them. So my whole flock can eat grower? Anything else? Like oyster shells?

 

[CluckerFamily]

Yes, provide oyster shells.

 

[CluckerFamily]

I also make sure the separate new comers are still within the same coop as the rest of the flock. I normally use a dog crate (I have standard goldendoodles) when the flock is free ranging and then I create a barrier in the coop for at night like @black_cat mentioned.

 

[Missy020219]

I also make sure the separate new comers are still within the same coop as the rest of the flock. I normally use a dog crate (I have standard goldendoodles) when the flock is free ranging and then I create a barrier in the coop for at night like @black_cat mentioned.

They have been in this cage since they were about 3 weeks old and have been in the coop the whole time too.

 

[black_cat]

View attachment 2361793
They have been in this cage since they were about 3 weeks old and have been in the coop the whole time too.

You can probably knock down at least one of those walls and extend the enclosed area.

 

[CluckerFamily]

View attachment 2361793
They have been in this cage since they were about 3 weeks old and have been in the coop the whole time too.

Wonderful! And I love the chicken protector! Chicken protecting is hard work!