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tami1964

tami1964

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5 Years
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Hello, I am new to Backyard Chickens and I am looking forward to seeing how others handle different situations. I am going to be integrating my new chicks into the pen with my older ones and I am wondering if anyone has a good way to do this. Previously I have just made a new coop but now I have three coops and I want to just add chickens to an existing flock. Another question I had was are eggs still safe to eat if the shell is a little odd. Once in awhile I get one that has calcium deposit or something that makes the shell feel like sandpaper. When I break them open the egg looks fine but I was wondering if still good to eat. I have been feeding these to the dogs or the pig. Thanks for adding me to your forum.
 
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Generally when introducing new birds to a flock, it is best to wait until they are mature in size. There will still be some squabbling, but they are better able to defend themselves. Eggs with excessive calcium deposits are fine for eating.
 
Hello :frow and Welcome To BYC! There is a nice article in the Learning Center on adding new birds to your flock. https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock X2 what sourland said, waiting until the new birds are about the same size, and then a long period of time of seeing but no touching behind wire usually works pretty well, like if you can divide your coop into two sections or put the new birds in a pen inside the coop/run etc. It gives the birds time to get the pecking order somewhat established and usually combining them then goes pretty well.
X2 Calcium deposits are pretty common and the eggs are fine to eat http://www.thepoultrysite.com/publications/1/egg-quality-handbook/17/sandpaper-or-rough-shells
 
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Welcome to BYC!

X3 on the separation period for new birds. First they need to be at least 3 or 4 months old so they are about the same size as the larger flock. Keep them behind a fenced off area or cage for several weeks. Everybody sees, nobody touches. This allows for the pecking order to be worked out from behind wire. After several weeks, mixing day usually goes fairly smooth. Just watch closely that day and that week. And always intervene if it turns bloody.

Yes, the eggs are perfectly safe to eat. Calcium deposits or funky feeling eggs are no problems.

Good luck with your flocks and welcome to ours!
 
Welcome to BYC
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Glad you joined us!
 

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