multiple hatches in grow out pens???

[p.james]

I am getting ready to have quite a few birds in short term grow out pens and it would seem to make sense that as a new hatch comes along and out the brooder, they could go into the same pen and the ones that will be just a couple of weeks away from coming out. Being new here I am asking for opinions. If they can all into the same pens do leg bands work fine to keep from loosing track of the different age birds?

 

[ranit]

Leg bands would work but be careful putting different age birds together if there is much size difference. Also once the older birds are established in the pen they often do not like the newcomers. If this must be done try putting them in at dark as this sometimes helps.

 

[p.james]

Thanks for the feedback

 

[burquechick]

When I'm putting smaller birds in with bigger ones, I will usually put them in their own cage inside the larger pen for a day or two to let the others get used to them first without touching them. If that's an option for you, you might consider that as well.

 

[Whitehouse Quail]

Wingbands, also.