I need advice because I have new pullets to introduce and need to decide to do it before or after a vacation.
We have 2 11-mo-old BA hens in a small coop and run. We have 5 7-week-old pullets--standard breeds--in a brooder in the garage. I usually put the pullets in a small outdoor pen for a spell each day, but won't be able to do this on vacation. They'd be locked in a 25 sqft brooder for 5 days. I am wondering whether I should try to integrate them with the flock before I leave since my original flock is small and a docile breed. Then they'd have the coop and run to enjoy some fresh air in the daytime.
Should I leave the pullets locked up in the brooder or try to integrate them prematurely?
We have 2 11-mo-old BA hens in a small coop and run. We have 5 7-week-old pullets--standard breeds--in a brooder in the garage. I usually put the pullets in a small outdoor pen for a spell each day, but won't be able to do this on vacation. They'd be locked in a 25 sqft brooder for 5 days. I am wondering whether I should try to integrate them with the flock before I leave since my original flock is small and a docile breed. Then they'd have the coop and run to enjoy some fresh air in the daytime.
Should I leave the pullets locked up in the brooder or try to integrate them prematurely?