Managing your flock

[Pertica]

I am new to the raising of baby chicks; I have up to now bought half-grown pullets. So I am looking ahead to how to handle the integration of my 6 new chicks, when they are 6-8 weeks old, with my current hens--2 adult white leghorns. I've read that the little ones can't eat the same food or have access to the oyster shells until they are of laying age. The coop cannot be divided to accommodate two eating sections, but I will need to put the little ones into the coop. Any suggestions??

 

[mstricer]

Quote:

They might be too young to be put in with them without being separated from the older birds. Just put up some sort of partition, like a dog crate till they get used to each other. You could feed them all the chick starter if it is non-medicated. Just offer oyster grit separately. Thats all I got. Maybe someone else can help better.

theres a lot of information on here.
Michele

 

[Fred's Hens]

As far as feed goes, you'll have to feed a generic feed like grower. Both hens and chicks can eat it.

Hens shouldn't have the medicated starter, and chicks must not have the layer feed with built in calcium added. Only the hens will eat the calcium rich shells anyhow. The chicks won't show much interest if they are well fed.

As for integration, good luck. I've found it very, very difficult. The old biddies won't enjoy their tidy world being turned upside down by chicks. They'll peck them and in some cases, injure them severely.

Your best bet is to introduce them in the yard where they can stay away from each other and not be trapped. Provide oversight. Watch the behaviors.

 

[Judy]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-adding-to-your-flock