Growing up

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debbthebee1

In the Brooder
Jul 12, 2023
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I have 5 4 or 5 month old hens I am. Still feeding grow mash. I am wondering when I should start them on layer mash? I would also like to get a couple of Buff Orpington chicks and am looking for advice on the best way to introduce them to the flock. Ie; how big do they need to be in order to not get picked on?
Thanks ps my flock is comprised of barred rocks and americanas.
 
debbthebee1 said:
I have 5 4 or 5 month old hens I am. Still feeding grow mash. I am wondering when I should start them on layer mash? I would also like to get a couple of Buff Orpington chicks and am looking for advice on the best way to introduce them to the flock. Ie; how big do they need to be in order to not get picked on?
Thanks ps my flock is comprised of barred rocks and americanas.
Click to expand...
Welcome to BYC!
 
debbthebee1 said:
I have 5 4 or 5 month old hens I am. Still feeding grow mash. I am wondering when I should start them on layer mash? I would also like to get a couple of Buff Orpington chicks and am looking for advice on the best way to introduce them to the flock. Ie; how big do they need to be in order to not get picked on?
Thanks ps my flock is comprised of barred rocks and americanas.
Click to expand...
They will always get picked on a bit no matter what but I would have done it last month. You can definitely put them on layer mash by now
 
Hello and welcome to BYC!

I usually wait to get them on layer feed when they start squatting for me, yours should be ready for layer soon. Definitely when somebody lays an egg.

You can safely mix chicks into a flock when they are a couple few months old. Cage them within the flock for a couple weeks before mixing so everybody sees, nobody touches. After a couple of weeks mix them together. Make sure to add hidy places, levels and places to hide. Add more feed and water stations so the chicks don't have to complete. There will be squabbling however as long as its not too violent, they should be ok. If it gets to bloodshed, cage the bully for a few days to chill them all out.

Enjoy your flock!
 
Hello and welcome to BYC! :frow Glad you joined.

I never feed layer mash. I prefer to keep their protein content higher and the calcium appropriate for all life stages. So you can feed starter, grower, All Flock or Flock Raiser with containers of oyster shell on the side for active layers.
 

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