I started integrating my first batch of pullets this weekend. For the past month, all the chicks have been in the grow out pen which shares a wire wall with the big chooks coop. The coop is 30 sq feet. They are only confined there to sleep and have free choice access to an electronet run which is roughly 1200 sq feet so they should have plenty of space. There are multiple feed and water stations on opposite sides of the run.
As somewhat expected, my 3 isa brown hens have been less than gracious to the newbies. The Marans roo has been fine. However, there has been some minor bloodshed on the chicks, which has led them to think going through the net is a good option. They are quite easy to round up, but after 2 days of this with little improvement I'm at a loss on what to do come Monday morning. They stay happily confined unless the hens are chasing them, and the hens are actually hunting them down on occasion (ie, no apparent reason for the scuffle) which is super aggravating.
My best guess at this point is to let them all out of the coop tomorrow am, and then lock the little ones in the coop while I'm at work with feed and water, allowing them out with the group again in the evening when I get back from work.
Does that sound like a reasonable plan? Any other suggestions?
As somewhat expected, my 3 isa brown hens have been less than gracious to the newbies. The Marans roo has been fine. However, there has been some minor bloodshed on the chicks, which has led them to think going through the net is a good option. They are quite easy to round up, but after 2 days of this with little improvement I'm at a loss on what to do come Monday morning. They stay happily confined unless the hens are chasing them, and the hens are actually hunting them down on occasion (ie, no apparent reason for the scuffle) which is super aggravating.
My best guess at this point is to let them all out of the coop tomorrow am, and then lock the little ones in the coop while I'm at work with feed and water, allowing them out with the group again in the evening when I get back from work.
Does that sound like a reasonable plan? Any other suggestions?