Chicks need to be moved

[littlemac1]

Hi all. Been looking at this site for awhile and it's great. Finally decided to join and hopefully get an answer to a question. I have four laying hens in a large coup. In a smaller coup I have four pullets that are 12 wks old. The two coups are separated by fence but I've been letting them all free range during the day and roost separately at night. I was going to move them together in another 2 wks. The pullets are already going into the larger coup on their own and I'm sure they're eating some layer pellets. My problem is I have 20 chicks that I need to move into the small coup. Would it be a problem to go ahead and move the four pullets into the larger coup with the layin hens? I know it's a little soon for them to be on layer pellets but is it a problem? I got chicks chickens and pullets comin out my ears.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Sounds like your integration is going pretty well.

However, I would feed the entire flock something they could all eat. Layer pellets are not appropriate for younger birds. The 12 week olds shouldn't be eating Layer.

Just feed everyone a Grower, Flock Raiser, non-medicated Starter or what have you. My only recommendation is to put the Layer feed away for another month to two months. Once everyone is laying, then you'll be good to go.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, littlemac1, and

! Pleased you joined us! Moving the pullets in with the laying hens won't be much of an issue if you do things right. Introduce the two groups for three or four days - don't give them contact - just close visual///like through a fence. After this break-in period put the newbies into the coop with the hens at dark (hens won't be aggressive in the dark). In the a.m. open the coop at first light so they new ones aren't trapped with the older ones. Monitor their behavior - there will be pecking order squabbles to be expected. You should be good to go unless they single out of the little ones. If so, repeat the process. Good luck to you!

 

[Mehjr10]

When you move them they should do well since they are already ranging and going into the older coop, change to a grower or flock raiser feed as the previous poster mentioned. Supplement with Oyster Shell for the layers.


And Welcome To BYC from West TN !!!!

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[littlemac1]

Thanks for all the help. I should have turned to y'all a long time ago. I have oyster shell in a separate feeder in the coop for the layers so I will take away the layer pellets put in grower and move the pullets in tonight. Thanks for the help.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!