Integration

[aart]

The only difficult part is the treats. The big hens monopolise it and the little hens want to muscle in. I have to feed the big hens while locking the small hens out and then, while the big hens are foraging for the treats, feed the little hens their treats. The treats are high protein and I need the little hens to put some more weight on to cope with the big hens!

The six hens form two separate groups when free ranging which is a bit of a pain as I have to supervise them. The two groups often end up going in two different directions so I’m swivelling my head in several directions!

Spread the treats far and wide.
They will remain separate 'sub-flocks' until the youngers start laying.

 

[frackmomma]

I also have an update. My little ones are thriving with having an "escape room" they can go back to in order to avoid being picked on. They are slowly venturing out and even had some supervised free range time. I'm happy to see them able to move around more and stay safe.