Chicks in run with the flock?

[3baymares]

View attachment 1370699 Hello, We've had our hens and new house/run for three years now and I decided this year to let one of our broody hens have a couple of day-old chicks. The nighttime swap went great and she is being a great mother to them. My problem is with their management. One... I am worried about hawks when they get outside the coop time (but I know the answer to that one... I just have to limit it until the chicks are full grown) and TWO... I worry about the other hens (only 4) in the coop with the chicks. The chicks have been in with the flock only for short periods before roosting and before morning feeding and so far so OK. Am I asking for trouble though?
Will the other hens still peck or possibly try to kill the chicks? The coop is about 12ft by 12ft (outside run) and a 7'by7' house.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I have lost 3 chicks from 2 broody's this year for the first time to hawks. So it is a real possibility.

Each case regarding other hens will be unique. They usually aren't a problem. Sometimes pullets or other juveniles cause issue.

Broody mom will open up a can of crazy if the others mess with her babies! They will quickly learn who is OK and who to avoid. I usually supervise the first day she brings them out to identify any potential bullies.

Beautiful flock!

 

[3baymares]

I have lost 3 chicks from 2 broody's this year for the first time to hawks. So it is a real possibility.

Each case regarding other hens will be unique. They usually aren't a problem. Sometimes pullets or other juveniles cause issue.

Broody mom will open up a can of crazy if the others mess with her babies! They will quickly learn who is OK and who to avoid. I usually supervise the first day she brings them out to identify any potential bullies.

Beautiful flock!

Thanks, EggSighted4Life! Upon mulling it over and thinking about what you said I think I need to take more of a chance with them in with the other hens than out with the chance to a hawk attack. Thanks!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Other hens can still be deadly... but you can kinda gauge that. No telling when a hawk attack might happen and they are always deadly.

Your set up looks really nice. I just add extra feeders because mum usually camps on one. And visual barriers or things to run around can help.

I highly, highly recommend putting the whole flock on flock raiser or unmedicated starter for the time being with oyster shell available on the side for active layers. It not only won't hurt them but might benefit them. They always love the extra protein. And it's much easier than trying to keep chicks out of layer feed (which could doesn't mean will cause kidney issues including gout and failure to birds not in lay if fed long term, but could also delay development and onset of laying if fed to young birds) or feeding separately. Since I always have varied ages and genders, I never switch from flock raiser. And if bought at the right store cost me the same as layer but with 20% protein. To be honest it will especially benefit your older ladies (if this isn't already how you feed) once they hit molt since feathers are made from 90% protein and it's amino acids and they don't need the added calcium of layer.

Sorry, my current 2 passions regarding chickens are broody's and flock nutrition.

 

[3baymares]

Other hens can still be deadly... but you can kinda gauge that. No telling when a hawk attack might happen and they are always deadly.

Your set up looks really nice. I just add extra feeders because mum usually camps on one. And visual barriers or things to run around can help.

I highly, highly recommend putting the whole flock on flock raiser or unmedicated starter for the time being with oyster shell available on the side for active layers. It not only won't hurt them but might benefit them. They always love the extra protein. And it's much easier than trying to keep chicks out of layer feed (which could doesn't mean will cause kidney issues including gout and failure to birds not in lay if fed long term, but could also delay development and onset of laying if fed to young birds) or feeding separately. Since I always have varied ages and genders, I never switch from flock raiser. And if bought at the right store cost me the same as layer but with 20% protein. To be honest it will especially benefit your older ladies (if this isn't already how you feed) once they hit molt since feathers are made from 90% protein and it's amino acids and they don't need the added calcium of layer.

Sorry, my current 2 passions regarding chickens are broody's and flock nutrition.

That's excellent advice! Out I go to get some "flock raiser" feed. Thanks

 

[ChickieChickieMama]

Great advice, especially regarding how to fulfill both stages' nutritional needs! I've been wondering about this!

Other hens can still be deadly... but you can kinda gauge that. No telling when a hawk attack might happen and they are always deadly.

Your set up looks really nice. I just add extra feeders because mum usually camps on one. And visual barriers or things to run around can help.

I highly, highly recommend putting the whole flock on flock raiser or unmedicated starter for the time being with oyster shell available on the side for active layers. It not only won't hurt them but might benefit them. They always love the extra protein. And it's much easier than trying to keep chicks out of layer feed (which could doesn't mean will cause kidney issues including gout and failure to birds not in lay if fed long term, but could also delay development and onset of laying if fed to young birds) or feeding separately. Since I always have varied ages and genders, I never switch from flock raiser. And if bought at the right store cost me the same as layer but with 20% protein. To be honest it will especially benefit your older ladies (if this isn't already how you feed) once they hit molt since feathers are made from 90% protein and it's amino acids and they don't need the added calcium of layer.

Sorry, my current 2 passions regarding chickens are broody's and flock nutrition.

 

[ChickieChickieMama]

Your coop looks beautiful and peaceful for your chickies! And your broody hen is so sweet with her new babes!! I hope everything goes well!

 

[3baymares]

Thanks! The black game hen, Jane, came to us as a lost bird and I put her in the coop as a fox was in pursuit of her. We had Buff Orp., EE and Bard Rocks. She has become the best bird. She's very smart, has finally warmed up to me and I knew she would be a great mother and took advantage of her going broody recently. And she is a great little layer of eggs. It is so rewarding to watch her teaching her two chicks (Red Stars). We named her Plain Jane but she is not plain anymore she is spectacular!

 

[ChickieChickieMama]

Thanks! The black game hen, Jane, came to us as a lost bird and I put her in the coop as a fox was in pursuit of her. We had Buff Orp., EE and Bard Rocks. She has become the best bird. She's very smart, has finally warmed up to me and I knew she would be a great mother and took advantage of her going broody recently. And she is a great little layer of eggs. It is so rewarding to watch her teaching her two chicks (Red Stars). We named her Plain Jane but she is not plain anymore she is spectacular!

Oh my heart!! That is so beautiful. It's wonderful that you showed her that love and compassion and now she is showing you hers.

I'm not crying....that's just dust in my eye from the brooder!

 

[3baymares]

Oh my heart!! That is so beautiful. It's wonderful that you showed her that love and compassion and now she is showing you hers.

I'm not crying....that's just dust in my eye from the brooder!

It is funny because I was getting misty eyed when I was typing that thinking "oh my gosh I love that hen and all the girls"..... and thank goodness for this forum because people understand what I am talking about and the love we have for our birds.