Joining new pullets/cockerals to established flock

[CraftyChicky]

I know that when I was raising up my current little flock, I read that I shouldn't feed the young pullets/cockerals calcium before 16 weeks, or so. Of course, I started them on laying rations after that age, and keep oyster shells available as free choice. But, I have some new chicks that I will be integrating into the current flock in a few weeks, and am wondering how in the world I will keep them from eating the older girl's laying feed. Hummm, thinking just to place the hen's hanging feeder up a little higher? What creative ways have you managed this issue?

 

[kannna]

The easiest way to do it is to feed everyone grower aka the food between chick and layer. Provide calcium (oyster shell etc...) in an extra dish for the big girls. The chicks won't go for the calcium, just the food.

 

[CraftyChicky]

Thanks, Kanna! See, I hadn't even thought of that option. Now, I just have to get these little ones up a bit bigger, and get them all ready for the introduction...wish me luck! Some of the stories I've been reading about integration have me worried. The babies are stil little, I have weeks to go, but just have been thinking ahead and wondering how i'd do it.