Free Ranging Two Flocks

[Chicky Tocks]

I have two separate flocks of chickens. My laying hens, which are 4 BO's and 2 EE's(with uno the 7 week old chick) and I also have a pen that houses 5 cuckoo marans that are 14 weeks old and six EE mixes that are 18 weeks old- total of 11 youngsters.

I've been free ranging my laying hens for a couple of months now in the evenings and my poor teenagers I think are jealous. I'd love to let them out to free range with the big girls, but I'm concerned about fighting or insubordination on my teens parts...

Who here has this experience and what was it? Good or bad? I'd like the pros and cons of trying to give my teens a couple of hours out of the run in the evenings too.

 

[M To The Maxx]

Pro: They would love it and get a lot of grass

Con: Hawks and other predators

 

[Chicky Tocks]

The biggest thing I'm concerned about is the possible fighting. Sometimes the hens will go up to the fence with the teens in it and they ruffle feathers at each other.

 

[Maryallison]

I bet they'd have a great time! I remember when I was too scared to let my chicks out.

Now I let them out every morning. Where I live we have learned a few lessons though. Everybody MUST be locked up at night. Something out here at night eats chicken!

 

[NotTheMomma]

You'll probably have some pecking order going on, but the good thing with them ranging is they have room enough to move outta the way. Mine ranged in two separate groups for a long time. Now they all mingle together. Just watch them for a bit, but I doubt you'll have any serious problems.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I agree. I'll be getting new chicks in the spring. They will be penned for awhile, but once they have some size on them they'll be free ranging with the current flock.
Just watch that nobody's being beat up to the point of bleeding.

 

[Uppity Peon]

My neighbor has about 30 chickens and 2 coops. All the chickens have the run of the yard and there are no real problems with that. There are 2 main roosters, one in each flock. It all works just fine.

 

[Hollywood Chickens]

I free range hens, 12 week old's and 8 week old's all together the 12 week old's chase the 8 week old's a bit and the hens chase the 12 week old's but I have had no pecking problems.