I read that egg layers and meat birds have two differwent diets. I take this to mean that they should be kept in separate coops. Is this true? I 'm going to have Australorps which are dual purpose birds. I'd like to have a dozen to hatch chicks and a dozen to produce eggs. Also, I want to allow them to free range and go on bug patrol in my garden. If I do this should I rotate which flock goes out (ie meat birds one day, the egg layers the next day)?
As for their coop I understand that the roost should be about 3 ft off of the ground and the nesting boxes 1 ft. How much head room do chickens need? And would I need nesting boxes for both the egg layers and the meat breeders? Or just the ones who are raising chicks? What would I put in a coop for the egg layers to lay their eggs in?
Sorry for the number of question I just want to make sure I'm taking goos care of my babies.
As for their coop I understand that the roost should be about 3 ft off of the ground and the nesting boxes 1 ft. How much head room do chickens need? And would I need nesting boxes for both the egg layers and the meat breeders? Or just the ones who are raising chicks? What would I put in a coop for the egg layers to lay their eggs in?
Sorry for the number of question I just want to make sure I'm taking goos care of my babies.