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- #21
I am planning on changing up the big coop to accommodate. It's a 5x6 wooden playhouse conversion. I have a platform by a window and 3 2x4's as roosting bars at different levels. I want to adjust so that my old birds can be comfortable, 1 with deformed feet and one heavy girl with some sort of splayed toes. They need easy access but still go as high as they can. Can easily accommodate 18 standard chickens but I want to make it even more comfortable. The run is 32' x 12', slimming down to 8' in the last 8'. They have roots, rocks, covered areas, etc... I closed of the last 8x8 area for broody hen and the chicks. When the older flock goes out to free range, I let the chicks have full use of the run. Occasionally, I let them free range as well. No real issues after Mama hen put another hen in her place.I've never had a problem with integration. My flock is pretty laid back, but still, I've also let mamas raise their babies with the flock. Even the bantams have done so. When I've raised chicks myself, I've done so inside the run. By 4 weeks mine have always been mixed in with the big flock.
Like @DobieLover advises, I have plenty of room and plenty of roost space. I also keep plenty of waterers and feeders and whenever I'm introducing newbies, I make sure to add extras.
