first timer here seeks advice

[miso healthyegg]

Hello BYC community. I've recently acquired some chickens. 10 to be exact. 2 layers, 1 mother, and 7 chicks (about 8wks). now 6 chicks and happy hawk nearby I let them free range a few hours most days, depending on my schedule. But lots of predators in my area, hawks, crows, cats, monkeys, ferrets and snakes. I've started to let them all be free together in the run, but when I feed them the mother likes to give a hard time to one of my layers and I've noticed a drop in her egg production as a result. Before, I kept the mom and little ones in a large dog cage, but it's too much trouble to get them in and out each day and I think they all need to be free to exercise and grow. Every morning and afternoon I notice my two layers always waiting by the door and hop out immediately once open. I think it's because the mother is so mean to them.

Also, I live in Japan, so certain purchases for me can be a challenge. They generally eat chicken feed, +50% corn. Lots of garden scraps, oyster shells, egg shells, garlic, fruit and worms. plus they get a good share of weeds when they stroll around during the 'free range time.'

I'm going to add pictures. The large black one is the mother. The two red ones are my layers, one lays daily, the other is irregular. They lay in the dog house that sits atop the rice dispenser. There is a sandbox and random boxes with some hay from the fields.






I am trying to figure out exactly what breed I have and just general ways I can improve their living condition to optimize my egg quality and quantity. Also, I assume that of the 6 chicks, some will be roosters. One rooster is enough for this environment, correct? So, should I plan on having some roasted chicken parties this fall? Any comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance BYC.

 

[nicalandia]

Hello BYC community. I've recently acquired some chickens. 10 to be exact. 2 layers, 1 mother, and 7 chicks (about 8wks). now 6 chicks and happy hawk nearby I let them free range a few hours most days, depending on my schedule. But lots of predators in my area, hawks, crows, cats, monkeys, ferrets and snakes. I've started to let them all be free together in the run, but when I feed them the mother likes to give a hard time to one of my layers and I've noticed a drop in her egg production as a result. Before, I kept the mom and little ones in a large dog cage, but it's too much trouble to get them in and out each day and I think they all need to be free to exercise and grow. Every morning and afternoon I notice my two layers always waiting by the door and hop out immediately once open. I think it's because the mother is so mean to them.

Also, I live in Japan, so certain purchases for me can be a challenge. They generally eat chicken feed, +50% corn. Lots of garden scraps, oyster shells, egg shells, garlic, fruit and worms. plus they get a good share of weeds when they stroll around during the 'free range time.'

I'm going to add pictures. The large black one is the mother. The two red ones are my layers, one lays daily, the other is irregular. They lay in the dog house that sits atop the rice dispenser. There is a sandbox and random boxes with some hay from the fields.






I am trying to figure out exactly what breed I have and just general ways I can improve their living condition to optimize my egg quality and quantity. Also, I assume that of the 6 chicks, some will be roosters. One rooster is enough for this environment, correct? So, should I plan on having some roasted chicken parties this fall? Any comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance BYC.

No particular breed, mostly layer cross mix, the best thing would be to keep mother and chicks separte from the layers as the mother will pick fights with the other hens and this will only hurt your pockets

 

[miso healthyegg]

Thanks for the reply. I was gone for a day and half and expected some eggs. It was the first time my star layer has skipped a day. The chicks were born 6 weeks ago, raised by a friend and then moved into my environment about 2 weeks ago. For a little less than a week I have let everyone be free in there And this morning I caught the mother picking a fight. I put her and the chicks in the small cage, but I feel like that is too small for the 6 chicks + mother. How long should I keep them separate? Or at some point, should I just return the mother to my friend?

 

[nicalandia]

. How long should I keep them separate? Or at some point, should I just return the mother to my friend?

Till their mother wont take care of them and start pecking at them.