Introducing 10wk chicks to older hens

[AnnandDave]

Our 10wk chicks have just about outgrown the space we have for them. If we switch everyone to a food without calcium and put out extra calcium for the older hens can we put them all together? The older hens have access to a large outdoor area to play.

 

[Mrs. K]

You can try it, but another month would be better. I am thinking that the older hens are going to thump on them pretty badly. It will help if you have more chicks than hens, and it will be imperative that you have narrow spaces where the chicks can get to, away from the hens.

Your solution for the feed is fine, but it will be the least of your problems.

MrsK

 

[AnnandDave]

Thanks! The chicks will have the older hens outnumbered 2 to 1. the narrow space to give them a hideout is an idea we hadn't thought of yet. That would be possible.