Integration hidey holes

[Poodlemum]

We’ve got our dedicated brooder set up in the new grow out coop and I’m getting ready to “decorate” the coop for its occupants. I’ve got several 10 week old chicks and then five 6ish week olds ready to leave the brooder. Part of the “clutter” for them to get away from the older chicks are these areas under the brooder. Good idea right?

 

[azygous]

Maybe there's a better plan. Have you taken into account where you will put the younger chicks' food and water so the big ones can't bully them away from these essentials?

Where will the younger chicks sleep at night?

At six weeks, the youngsters could start to live in the coop, and spend their time in the run during the day. Or is this setup the coop? Not clear if this is a hoop coop or a hoop run.

The better plan would be a safe pen for the small ones that they can access through openings just large enough for them and the big ones can't fit through. That way, the smalls have a safe refuge to run into and also a haven where they don't have to fight the bigs for food and water.

 

[Poodlemum]

Maybe there's a better plan. Have you taken into account where you will put the younger chicks' food and water so the big ones can't bully them away from these essentials?

Where will the younger chicks sleep at night?

At six weeks, the youngsters could start to live in the coop, and spend their time in the run during the day. Or is this setup the coop? Not clear if this is a hoop coop or a hoop run.

The better plan would be a safe pen for the small ones that they can access through openings just large enough for them and the big ones can't fit through. That way, the smalls have a safe refuge to run into and also a haven where they don't have to fight the bigs for food and water.

I had thought of fencing off a section, but wanted to make sure there was a safe spot in case any of the bigger ones managed to fly over the fence. The younger ones have actually had full run of the coop and roosted on the box the older ones stayed in (it was easier to heat with this arrangements, long story!). So they’re likely to roost on the box edges, but I’ll still have perches set up for them. We’re currently in lockdown after the avian flu was found a few counties south of us, so it’s fully covered and will be their coop until we can let them out again

 

[Mrs. K]

Really in the picture I see, the bigs are standing right next to the littles. I think integration is a success. I would make more use of the vertical space, everything is mostly at ground level. Adding some roosts and platforms I think would help.

I set up a feed bowl for about every 3-4 birds. The trick is to make it so, that a bird eating at feed bowl A, cannot see any birds eating at B and C. It really does not take much to do this, once you are aware. I also often feed on top of a platform.

Hope you stay clear of the disease.

Mrs K

 

[Poodlemum]

Really in the picture I see, the bigs are standing right next to the littles. I think integration is a success. I would make more use of the vertical space, everything is mostly at ground level. Adding some roosts and platforms I think would help.

I set up a feed bowl for about every 3-4 birds. The trick is to make it so, that a bird eating at feed bowl A, cannot see any birds eating at B and C. It really does not take much to do this, once you are aware. I also often feed on top of a platform.

Hope you stay clear of the disease.

Mrs K

The Barnevelders are about two weeks younger I believe, they’ve been with the other chicks since brooder age. I would likely have no issues if it was just those two (3 really, the Welsummer roo is the same age). The 6 weekers include two Polish that got kicked out of the second indoor brooder for bullying Great idea with blocking sight between feeders, I’ll definitely try that