- Apr 23, 2007
- 95
- 3
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Greetings. I became a new chicken keeper several weeks ago and I'm learning as I go.
Currently I have 15 chickens in one coop that are straight run with a mix of Rhode islands, new hampshires, Plymouth barred rocks, and brown leghorns. These are 8-9 weeks old.
In another coop, I have 15 pullets with 5 each of RIR's, Plymouth barred rocks, and brown leghorns. The pullets are 4 weeks old.
Both flocks have been totally seperated at all times. Now I have built a permanent 12x16' caged run which is attached to both coops. My plan was to allow both flocks to use the run, but at different times of day so as to keep them seperated. (Someone told me that a flock should be no more than around 15 chickens-I think to limit fighting.)
I am not yet sure who the roosters are in the older flock, but my plan was to get rid of them except for 2-3, so my total number of birds will likely be 23-25.
I was wondering if I could mix all 30 birds now or if that would create problems. What would happen if I opened both coops to the run and let them all spill in and out at will, considering the breeds and ages of the chicks?
Also, which breeds of rooster should I keep if I have more than one?
Thanks for your input!
Polychickens
Currently I have 15 chickens in one coop that are straight run with a mix of Rhode islands, new hampshires, Plymouth barred rocks, and brown leghorns. These are 8-9 weeks old.
In another coop, I have 15 pullets with 5 each of RIR's, Plymouth barred rocks, and brown leghorns. The pullets are 4 weeks old.
Both flocks have been totally seperated at all times. Now I have built a permanent 12x16' caged run which is attached to both coops. My plan was to allow both flocks to use the run, but at different times of day so as to keep them seperated. (Someone told me that a flock should be no more than around 15 chickens-I think to limit fighting.)
I am not yet sure who the roosters are in the older flock, but my plan was to get rid of them except for 2-3, so my total number of birds will likely be 23-25.
I was wondering if I could mix all 30 birds now or if that would create problems. What would happen if I opened both coops to the run and let them all spill in and out at will, considering the breeds and ages of the chicks?
Also, which breeds of rooster should I keep if I have more than one?
Thanks for your input!
Polychickens