Feeders after introducing new chicks

[Akm78]

I’m a planner. I’m hoping to integrate the 10 new chicks I’m getting March 26 with my existing 16 fairly early. (Brooding in garage to start them after 1-2 weeks in dog crate With heat plate in coop so big girls Can see them, and eventually letting out a bit so only they can get in, etc)

I’ll have feeders for them in their brooder obviously but the feeders I have (one grandpa’s and one tube feeder) aren’t chick safe. Do I have to change everything or will they be kept away by bullies while they are little enough that it won’t be an issue as long as there are safe easy options for them? What do others do?

 

[rosemarythyme]

During integration (and until the chicks are big enough to use the other feeders) I would have their chick feeders in a chick safe area, plus other easy to use feed sources (such a small bowls) placed around in the common area. That'll help with any food guarding, by making it more difficult for the older birds to guard all food sources, and of course the chick feeder will still be available even if the adults are trying to chase them off.