Multiple chicken groups

[COCOmaran]

It is getting a bit complicated than what I expected. So, When I moved to this new house, I bought a nice chicken coop with 15 hens and 3 died after winter. I noticed that 4 of them are not laying now or very inconsistently laying. So, we decided to cull them next month. Then, I bought 6 chicks that are 9 weeks old now and one of them I notice a male. So, once I cull those 4 not laying, these pullets will move to the big coop in three week.

FIRST QUESTION: Those two coops are in a common big run. I will partition it once I move them to the big coop so they don't have access to the small coop. Will they find that the big coop is their new home soon?

SECOND QUESTION: Once the small coop is emptied, I have another set of chicks for the coop. And it will be their home. Again, it will be partitioned until everybody is big enough to defend them selves. Now, if I have two coops connected to a big common run, do chicks find their coops at night?

THIRD QUESTION: I have a broody hen sitting on eggs. Once the eggs are hatched, should I move all of them with mom to a hospital coop? or Let them stay where they are with big hens? Mom will protect them fine? I have had good moms before raising chicks together. But, this mom is all by herself ...

FORTH QUESTION (and the last): Once the chicks are hatched, sadly I can't keep them. I do not have space for them. So, I plan to sell them. How long it will take for the mom doesn't care for the chicks? I assume taking the couple of days old chicks away would upset the mom. I would like her to enjoy her motherhood as much as possible.

Thank you a lot!

 

[RiverOtter]

FIRST QUESTION:
They should within a couple of days. It might go faster if you put some cardboard on the partition so they can't see the old coop. Knee high should be enough

SECOND QUESTION:
You'll definitely want to make sure they do, because the little guys are not always bright. A light in there will help, like all babies, they ten to be scared of the dark and willo to the brightest spot.

THIRD QUESTION:
I would move them all. I always use a broody pen - all the hen saves me is a light bulb, not feed or space. If I don't, the chicks vanish. I've had them drown in waterers, get stuck in everything you can imagine - and lots and lots of things you never would have imagined - get lost relentlessly, get killed in the scuffle when their mother defends them, get pecked by other chickens, even get smothered while dustbathing. And let's not forget what gave me nightmares for years - swallowed whole by a muscovy drake.
No more - broody mommas get a coop for them and their babies.

FORTH QUESTION (and the last): She'll be done with them in 4 to 6 weeks.

 

[COCOmaran]

Thank you so much for your time and advice! Really appreciated it. One more question. Do you move broody hens when they start incubating or done with hatching? Mine is sitting now in her nest. I am afraid if I move her now then, she will no adjust new nest. Thank you!

 

[RiverOtter]

I've found that they're least likely to move right before the chicks hatch. Keep it dark.

 

[Mrs. K]

Can you post some pictures? Is your run wide open? Where all the birds can see all of the birds all of the time? Add a lot of clutter.

Safety zones work slick. After a week of sectioning off the area for the little ones, lift the fencing off the ground 5-6 inches. This will let the chicks venture forth, but retreat to a safe spot if life in the big world gets too rough. The chicks work this out on their own terms. And in a week, they are in amongst the big birds without much problems at all. You can do this much earlier than the 3-4 month old birds, mine go down at 3 weeks. And if you don't rush it, the will naturally go into the big girls coop. After you see one or two in there, just close the little coop.

Personally, I would keep the 4 older hens until they raise up the rooster chick for you. I think you get much better roosters that have been raised in a multi-generational society. The older hens tend to thump some manners in the rooster chicks.

You must remember, that it is natural to give advice based on each poster's personal set up. And space and set are crucially important in the behavior of chickens. Less space can be used, but different "rules" will be used.

That being said, I have never moved a broody hen, that she did not escape and go back to the nest she liked best. And abandon the eggs. I don't like separating birds from my flock, I think it causes more problems than it solves. So I keep my broody hen where she thinks is best, and she raises chicks in the flock.

Mrs K

 

[COCOmaran]

Thank you for your advice. I had a couple of broody hens before, and they raised their chicks in the flock. It was very amazing. But, that time there were a mom team So, I was wondering if that worked because there were two mom protecting the chicks. I agree everyone has different settings and experience. I love to hear different experiences and learn from them.
I have heard that older hens will educate young roosters. But, unfortunately, I don't plan to have one. I wish I could. It is a hard decision to get rid of older hens. I am actually thinking of getting another coop for the small flock so that I can keep them all

 

[Mrs. K]

oh I thought one of your older chicks was a male.

 

[COCOmaran]

oh I thought one of your older chicks was a male.

I think it is male but not sure (EE). I think it is, but FB people think it is she But, if she is he, then I am not keeping her What do you think? Long neck and tail. And noticeably bigger that the other two EEs.

 

[Mrs. K]

Not sure - she is a lot bigger. Should know for sure though in 2-3 weeks.

 

[aart]

I think it is male but not sure (EE). I think it is, but FB people think it is she But, if she is he, then I am not keeping her What do you think? Long neck and tail. And noticeably bigger that the other two EEs.

It's 9 weeks old?
Need a clear close up of the comb.