Integrating babies...

[loralei]

What is the appropriate age to integrate "babies" into your flock? I have 30 birds of laying age, which include 2 roos, and I have 16 "babies" that are 17 weeks old. At least one has started laying! Although some of the younger ones seem quite mature for their age, others seem a bit behind and it is these smaller birds I am concerned about. I'm concerned about the young roos too. There are at least 3 of them.

Also, what is the best way to integrate them. The coop is not large enough to keep the 2 flocks seperate like I have seen other posts regarding integration suggest. I was thinking about letting everyone free range together then allowing the "babies" to follow the older birds into the coop at dusk. What do y'all think?

Thanks!
Laura

 

[joedie]

Sounds like a good idea to me! Or you might try to put them on the roosts at night too.

 

[math ace]

Do you know the breed of the 17 week old one that has already started laying?

Are they all the same breed?

 

[loralei]

Lol! I just returned from checking eggs/chickens and I found 2 eggs in the baby pen! I have welsumers and buff orpingtons. I'm pretty sure it is the BO's that are laying and they really seem to have sweet dispositions too!

I think I'll try your recommendation, joedie, and sneak them into the coop tonite.

Thanks!
Laura

 

[G Wiz Ranch]

I think the key is lots of food, lots of water and lots of space. I mix them into the flock at 6 weeks. At night the young ones go into their own coop.