Integrated new chicks

[sgtruglo]

Wow! That’s going to be fantastic when you’re done!

Thank you so much! Lots of sweat equity

 

[igorsMistress]

Thank you so much! Lots of sweat equity

I’m sure! By the looks of the area you need the extra protection. Are you using a solid roof on the run or just some hardware cloth or something similar?

 

[sgtruglo]

I’m sure! By the looks of the area you need the extra protection. Are you using a solid roof on the run or just some hardware cloth or something similar?

The run has clear corogated sheets on roof. And I think it was 1/4” hardware cloth all the way around. Do you mean extra protection from hawks? Or the baby chicks to have hiding spot?

 

[igorsMistress]

The run has clear corogated sheets on roof. And I think it was 1/4” hardware cloth all the way around. Do you mean extra protection from hawks? Or the baby chicks to have hiding spot?

I’m sorry didn’t see your reply! Just from predators in general, it looks as though you’re pretty rural?

 

[sgtruglo]

I’m sorry didn’t see your reply! Just from predators in general, it looks as though you’re pretty rural?

We were thinking about hawk netting above open run if we can. We are in a neighborhood, we each have about one acre. Our backyard is fully enclosed with privacy fence. We do get fox and hawks…. So we try to be home when they are out. Always a learning process! Thanks for all your replies!!!

 

[Chickin Fairy]

New coop still under construction, and spring clean up hasn’t happened yet… but here’s our set up. Coop, covered run and then fenced place they go if it’s not snowing or raining.

Sheesh. I had to do a double-take because this looks just like my coops/run set-up! I'm in your boat, except I have 3 week old bantam chicks. I separate the run where the old and new one are and everyone free ranges together. That's a great idea with the garden pots. I'm curious to know how your integration went?

 

[sgtruglo]

Sheesh. I had to do a double-take because this looks just like my coops/run set-up! I'm in your boat, except I have 3 week old bantam chicks. I separate the run where the old and new one are and everyone free ranges together. That's a great idea with the garden pots. I'm curious to know how your integration went?

Hey! Would Love to see your set up and chicks! Integration was a bit trial and error. I ended up separating them with mesh in between and did the “look but not touch” method until closer to 12 ish weeks. Then we did meetings again while we were outside to be sure. They did pretty good and have been all together for over a month. Still letting 3 older hens go in the little coop at night. Hoping to take that part away and transition them all into new big coop at nights.

 

[Chickin Fairy]

Hey! Would Love to see your set up and chicks! Integration was a bit trial and error. I ended up separating them with mesh in between and did the “look but not touch” method until closer to 12 ish weeks. Then we did meetings again while we were outside to be sure. They did pretty good and have been all together for over a month. Still letting 3 older hens go in the little coop at night. Hoping to take that part away and transition them all into new big coop at nights.

So you have the same "little coop" I do. When I didn't have broody/eggs/chicks, I removed the floor and screwed in the roosting floor bars so it's like an open loft area. The birds loved it, especially my bantam, who naturally needs a bit of alone time from one of the big girls who likes to chase her.

I'll post pics tomorrow of what I have set up!

 

[McChooky]

My chicks have been separated by wire on one end of the run since they were 4 weeks old. They can't mingle with the flock yet because they're only 9 weeks old. My flock see's them thru the wire but free ranges during the day.The chicks watch them thru the wire.

 

[sgtruglo]

So you have the same "little coop" I do. When I didn't have broody/eggs/chicks, I removed the floor and screwed in the roosting floor bars so it's like an open loft area. The birds loved it, especially my bantam, who naturally needs a bit of alone time from one of the big girls who likes to chase her.

I'll post pics tomorrow of what I have set up!

Oh! That’s a great idea! To force them into the big coop nesting boxes to start laying.