Flock Integration and space...how old is old enough?

[Noelygfan]

That's good to know. I have free choice calcium in addition to layer feed for my hens anyway, so I guess they're going to go through it a lot faster now.

The free ranging is going great for the chicks. We separated them from the flock a,few times to make sure they had chances for food and water in addition to free choice. They were more than happy to take those opportunities! The only issue was getting them back into the crate yesterday. They simply didn't want to go. We did it about 30 minutes before the majority of the flock went to bed. Some early sleepers were already in there.

I'm starting to wonder if I could wire a spot underneath the laying boxes. My only worry is that if I put food and water in that spot, the big hens will break in.

 

[B-Goock]

Thats what I did in my coop. Just section off a part. I used chicken wire and some 2x2 boards as a frame. Make it so it is easy to remove and save for next year. I use zip ties for temporary stuff like that. They can't tear them up so no break ins.

This year I made a raised brooder in the run. It's just an extension of the coop and didn't take any run sqft away.

 

[Percheron chick]

I'm starting to wonder if I could wire a spot underneath the laying boxes. My only worry is that if I put food and water in that spot, the big hens will break in.

I have a wooden crate that I use when I'm adding pullets to the flock. I have wood slats spaced about 3" apart that the little girls can fit through but keeps the older ones out. I keep feed and water in there so they can eat in peace and have a pile of hay in a corner to sleep on.

 

[Noelygfan]

Thank you so much for the idea. I had some field wire around that had been used for tomato cages, but were recently retired. I put one into the coop with chicken wire on top. I put two together outside with a dishof food for the young ones. It's worked out beautifully!
I just need to figure out what to do when they out grow the spaces. ...and that's going to happen soon. They are thriving and growing like crazy!

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[Noelygfan]

Tried to upload this one with the last post. They love just hanging out and eating bugs.

 

[Percheron chick]

By the time they outgrow it, they should just be added to the flock.

 

[NTBugtraq]

Just a note on your comments, it is not good for the little ones to eat layer feed, they do not need the extra calcium it has, it would hurt them. What you need to do is give all your flock 18% protein grower feed until the chicks are 18 weeks old and then switch the flock back to layer feed. It is very important to place a dish (free-choice) in their run with oyster shells for your layers to get the calcium they need.

Just a question, is there some data that supports the idea that layer is "bad" for youngsters? I mean, calcium is something that is typically excreted if there's more then the body needs. Is this not true for chickens? Also, if you're feeding layer, which includes added calcium, then why the oyster shells, do they not both serve the same purpose?

 

[aldarita]

Just a question, is there some data that supports the idea that layer is "bad" for youngsters? I mean, calcium is something that is typically excreted if there's more then the body needs. Is this not true for chickens? Also, if you're feeding layer, which includes added calcium, then why the oyster shells, do they not both serve the same purpose?

It is a very good question and I must confess that I have not done any research on this matter, I have just followed the advise in the forum from people that have lots of experience with keeping chickens and I agree it is important to have scientific data to back up anything we assume to be right. However in lieu to the lack of information, I think it is sensible to follow the advise until I can determine otherwise. There are lots of opinions that lots of people have based solely on experience (trial and error) and unfortunately there is not much research done when it comes to backyard chickens health, so many times basically we have to use our instincts to determine what it is best for our flock.
Regarding the oyster shells, the theory is that if a hen needs calcium she will eat the shells and if she doesn't, she won't. I have noticed in my flock that some times they ignore them and some other times they eat them a lot, so I always keep a dish with oyster shells and another one with egg shells, while the extra calcium is added to the feed so they will eat it regardless, now will they excrete the extra calcium? I don't know, it might be excreted in humans but what do birds do with it?
I may also note that everyone needs to make their own decisions as to what it is advised in the forum, like some other posters have said, take it with a grain of salt, make your own research and decide what to do. On the other hand experience from the old timers is important specially for people that are new at keeping chickens.

 

[NTBugtraq]

However in lieu to the lack of information, I think it is sensible to follow the advise until I can determine otherwise.

Yup, good point.

 

[sjturner79]

Just a question, is there some data that supports the idea that layer is "bad" for youngsters? I mean, calcium is something that is typically excreted if there's more then the body needs. Is this not true for chickens? Also, if you're feeding layer, which includes added calcium, then why the oyster shells, do they not both serve the same purpose?

There are actually a few studies on the calcium intake of chooks.
If you google it you will find that there are studies that show a chick won't pass the excess calcium out of thier system, but instead store it in thier liver and kidneys.
If it gets too much to store it will kill them.

On having both calcium in the layer and free choice, that advice is because most if not all backyard chooks eat things other than just layer pellets, either because they are free range or fed treats or scraps.
The also get water that is of varying quality.
This means that the calcium intake is diluted so the extra makes up for it.