Chicken math strikes again

[Mamatomany123]

So, we originally planned on only having 4 hens. I bought 7.(I originally thought I would lose 1 or 2 and/or 1 may end up being a cockerel).well, all lived and all are girls. That's fine. They're great. 16 weeks now so hoping for eggs soon. Went to pick up some feed and they just got a shipment of babies in. Like, 20 minutes before. Of course I got some. 4 to be exact. Golden comets. Right now I have them in a sectioned off part in the coop. Other girls can see but not touch. When should I start to try and integrate? I know it will still be a while. They're probably only a day old. Just want to be prepared.

 

[AgnesGray]

Awww, such sweet little chicks! My feed store has done this to me as well a time or three.

If you have room to continue the see but not touch space in the coop with everything chicks need, that really has worked best for me. I like this article about doing it that way. Good luck with your flock expansion!

 

[Mamatomany123]

Awww, such sweet little chicks! My feed store has done this to me as well a time or three.

If you have room to continue the see but not touch space in the coop with everything chicks need, that really has worked best for me. I like this article about doing it that way. Good luck with your flock expansion!

Oh thank you. I remember seeing this article before but couldnt find it now. I'll read through it again. Yes, they have all they need. A heat plate, food, water, draft free...and the awkward stares from my older girls.

 

[AgnesGray]

Ah yes! I'm sure there are plenty of those! Haha!!

 

[Peppercorngal]

I only raised baby chicks in the main coop one time. I found that the older girls considered it "their space" and the integration went badly. (no, no one was injured, just bullied!) I find when I raise them in another little brooder shed and let them free to integrate from there things work out much better. No jealous hens, and no pecking on the chicks. They integrate and the younglings end up in the main coop in no time! I like to integrate by letting the little chicks out through wire mesh that they can fit through, but the hens cannot in at around 3 to 4 weeks old. That way, the chicks have a safe space to run back to if they feel threatened, but the hens can't get in and eat the baby food!

 

[Mamatomany123]

Ah yes! I'm sure there are plenty of those! Haha!!

One of the older girls went in to investigate, heard the babies, stood up straight and let out a lone "buck?"

 

[Mamatomany123]

I only raised baby chicks in the main coop one time. I found that the older girls considered it "their space" and the integration went badly. (no, no one was injured, just bullied!) I find when I raise them in another little brooder shed and let them free to integrate from there things work out much better. No jealous hens, and no pecking on the chicks. They integrate and the younglings end up in the main coop in no time! I like to integrate by letting the little chicks out through wire mesh that they can fit through, but the hens cannot in at around 3 to 4 weeks old. That way, the chicks have a safe space to run back to if they feel threatened, but the hens can't get in and eat the baby food!

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Hmm, I dont really have another coop for them and would have to brood them in the garage if I took them out. Our coop is a 10x10 and the bigger girls roost towards the back. I have the babies in the front. The bigger girls dont usually hang out there. Maybe I'll see how tonight goes and reassess in the morning if needed.

 

[Peppercorngal]

Hmm, I dont really have another coop for them and would have to brood them in the garage if I took them out. Our coop is a 10x10 and the bigger girls roost towards the back. I have the babies in the front. The bigger girls dont usually hang out there. Maybe I'll see how tonight goes and reassess in the morning if needed.

You can only do what you can do. Our brooder shed is where we keep our straw normally. It's something husband threw together. As you may be able to see the sides are actually just an old torn tarp!! You certainly can keep them in the same coop, I just found integration easier this way. Good Luck!

 

[Mamatomany123]

You can only do what you can do. Our brooder shed is where we keep our straw normally. It's something husband threw together. As you may be able to see the sides are actually just an old torn tarp!! You certainly can keep them in the same coop, I just found integration easier this way. Good Luck!

My big girls always hang out by our house so hopefully they won't be too territorial over the coop. Fingers crossed it goes well.

 

[Peppercorngal]

One of the older girls went in to investigate, heard the babies, stood up straight and let out a lone "buck?"

One day last week I opened the metal coop where my little chicks are and my Buff Orpington, Blondie slipped in. She had a good time eating the chick food for a few minutes. She paid absolutely no attention to the chicks. They checked her out and even pecked a bit at her. She could care less! I got her out of there so she didn't eat all their food! I integrate them at 3 or 4 weeks because the smaller they are the less of a threat they seem to the adults. They are paid no attention at that stage!