Free-ranging chicks w/ hens?

[rossafini]

We have 25 x 10-week old chicks. We want them to free range with our grown hens. We are concerned that when we let the chicks out of their run, they will start to eat the hens' layer pellets, and the hens will eat the chick feed. We really can't see leaving the chicks in a pen until they're 18 weeks old! Can anyone give us some advice on how to proceed?

Thanks in advance,

Rossafini

 

[bayouchica]

Hi,
if you can put the layer pellets up on something out of your chics' reach that may help or someplace that the chics won't wander to.
My hubby made this for me. He cut small holes in the wire so the chics can get in,but not the adults.I had a problem with my piggy hens eating all the chic food.

I was worried they weren't getting enough food. Plus it gives them a safe place to hang out.



Good luck,enjoy your babies...

 

[rossafini]

Thanks!!!

 

[rossafini]

The only thing is our chicks are almost as big as the chickens.

 

[Barnyard Dawg]

Ours chicks are only 5 weeks old and they been free-ranging with the mature chickens for a week now. We feed our chicks medicated crumble the first 4 weeks now they eat the adult crumble and rice when we lock them up in the chick house at night we feed them regular crumble. The mature chickens have access to free-ranging 24/7.

 

[Mrs.Puff]

Yeah, my hens are obnoxious about eating the chicks' feed too. I never thought of cutting a hole in the wire. Mommy is with them though, so she has to get out too. I cut holes in a cardboard box, and then put it over the baby's feeder. Mom can still eat, and it's kinda protected from the big hens. The chicks can go right in the box.

 

[Barnyard Dawg]

Our chicks like our older hens feed.