Moving up to the big pen.

[Runawaylobster]

I have 4 black coppers 2 girls and 2 boys that hatched on November 9th, they are now pretty big, and
size wise would be mixable in my layer pen that has a number of different types of hens in there
but no roos right now. My concern is that the ones in that pen are on layer pellets, and the gang of
four are on grower crumbles.....

I could really use to get the pen back that the gang of 4 are using but i'm not sure if it's possible yet.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I wouldn't switch layers to layer feed until at least 18 weeks of age.
Your best option is to switch them all to grower and provide oyster shell - free choice in a separate container.

 

[Runawaylobster]

Thank you, that sounds like a good Idea!!

 

[donrae]

I wouldn't switch layers to layer feed until at least 18 weeks of age.
Your best option is to switch them all to grower and provide oyster shell - free choice in a separate container.

That's what I do.

 

[Runawaylobster]

Well after a couple of days of free ranging together I just let the two groups go into the big coop this evening instead of
different ones. One of the little roos is giving the hens a hard time, surprising i was expecting it to be the other way
around. I see the hens challenging him by sneaking up to him and growling but then he chases them off. I see nothing
prolonged though, just a spat here and there, i watched for almost 2 hours.... BUT when i went to see them just now
i was expecting the four to stay downstairs in the run, and the hens to go inside... but there are only three downstairs
not 4, and my agressive little roo must be in the coop with the hens..it's all quiet.. Hope he's OK

 

[Runawaylobster]

OK, so the little roo showed up again this morning just fine... But he is really being a pain in the coop and causing a rucus to everyone. The other roo is more mellow, but this little guy is pecking on EVERYONE! even the pullets that have been with him since the incubator.

I am wondering how long to give them to settle down before I decide that he's a mean little snit and move him out of there.... I see no injuries to anyone but definitely theres an "Atmosphere" in there.... He is already doing this behaviour and he is only 9 weeks old...

 

[Runawaylobster]

Well today I came home from work and I found one of my big cochins laying dead in the coop. no blood no feathers??
it's too suspicious to be a coincidence so he is now exiled forever. He is an agressive wee beastie...