Tre3hugger
Let Your Freak Flag Fly
Just wanted to share my experience.
I had a broody hatch 3 chicks about ten days ago in my raised coop. At this time I was just transitioning my 5 week olds from see no touch day times to full time integration. Right after the chicks hatched, I put my juvies in the coop for their first night. Mama and babies were in a raised nest that I blocked with some netting so mama could get out but the babies couldn't fall out. The first couple nights were perfect, juveniles doing fine in coop overnight(though I still have to place them in there) and Mama spending most her time on the nest. On day 5 ish the biggest baby managed to jump out of the nest. After this happened a few more times that day(I would put him back every time) I moved all the babies to the floor of the coop. Mama quickly made a nest and they stayed there for a bit. A couple days later, babies all came out of the coop with mom. They are eating and hanging out with 8 other hens/pullets 6 mos to 2 yrs old, a 6 mos old cockerel and 4, 6 week old juveniles. Mama takes great care of them and they are a pleasure to watch. I can't believe how hardy and active they are in mama's care. At 10 days old they spend 90% of their time outside exploring and learning from the flock They have been eating all flock since birth(wet down at first so the pellets were soft).
The main challenge so far has been my coop is raised about 4 feet. When mama goes in the coop the babies can't figure it out and cry and cry til mom comes back out. Today I built a sort of ladder to the door and they seem to be getting it. It is really hard but I decided to take a hands off approach with these chicks and let mama do the work. So far is has been a wonderful experience to watch her despite me always wanting to intervene and protect. If my nest was on the floor of the coop, and the coop was ground level, I would have to do literally nothing for these babies that I don't already do(feed water etc). That is what I will do different next time. GROUND LEVEL.
To any one questioning if their birds are too young to try integrating, or if they should try hatching with a broody, I'd say go for it! My 5 week olds spent 5 days in a pen within my run with their own food and hiding spot. On day 5 at night I placed them in the coop after everyone else had settled in. The next moring I let them out as a group. They all now share a feeder and waterer. The pecking was so minimal I couldn't believe. With a little time, the right amount of space and hides, and a little strategy, integration can be a breeze!
Obviously this is not universal. I'm not saying this method was not without its risks. I am just saying this is an experience that I am currently living and it's working for me. Suggestions, questions, and other experiences welcome. Thanks for reading.
I had a broody hatch 3 chicks about ten days ago in my raised coop. At this time I was just transitioning my 5 week olds from see no touch day times to full time integration. Right after the chicks hatched, I put my juvies in the coop for their first night. Mama and babies were in a raised nest that I blocked with some netting so mama could get out but the babies couldn't fall out. The first couple nights were perfect, juveniles doing fine in coop overnight(though I still have to place them in there) and Mama spending most her time on the nest. On day 5 ish the biggest baby managed to jump out of the nest. After this happened a few more times that day(I would put him back every time) I moved all the babies to the floor of the coop. Mama quickly made a nest and they stayed there for a bit. A couple days later, babies all came out of the coop with mom. They are eating and hanging out with 8 other hens/pullets 6 mos to 2 yrs old, a 6 mos old cockerel and 4, 6 week old juveniles. Mama takes great care of them and they are a pleasure to watch. I can't believe how hardy and active they are in mama's care. At 10 days old they spend 90% of their time outside exploring and learning from the flock They have been eating all flock since birth(wet down at first so the pellets were soft).
The main challenge so far has been my coop is raised about 4 feet. When mama goes in the coop the babies can't figure it out and cry and cry til mom comes back out. Today I built a sort of ladder to the door and they seem to be getting it. It is really hard but I decided to take a hands off approach with these chicks and let mama do the work. So far is has been a wonderful experience to watch her despite me always wanting to intervene and protect. If my nest was on the floor of the coop, and the coop was ground level, I would have to do literally nothing for these babies that I don't already do(feed water etc). That is what I will do different next time. GROUND LEVEL.
To any one questioning if their birds are too young to try integrating, or if they should try hatching with a broody, I'd say go for it! My 5 week olds spent 5 days in a pen within my run with their own food and hiding spot. On day 5 at night I placed them in the coop after everyone else had settled in. The next moring I let them out as a group. They all now share a feeder and waterer. The pecking was so minimal I couldn't believe. With a little time, the right amount of space and hides, and a little strategy, integration can be a breeze!
Obviously this is not universal. I'm not saying this method was not without its risks. I am just saying this is an experience that I am currently living and it's working for me. Suggestions, questions, and other experiences welcome. Thanks for reading.
