Need advice on blending flock

[Chickentender08]

We are currently in the process of integrating (6) 6 week old pullets with our (2) 5 year old hens. My question involves feed-our young girls currently eat medicated crumbles while our older girls eat non medicated crumbles. Should we wean the young off medicated feed? Incorporate medicated feed into the layers diet or attempt to separate feed with a barrier? This is the first time we’ve blended a flock and I want to make sure we do this right to avoid any problems.

 

[DobieLover]

I would just switch the chicks over to the non-medicated crumbles. They should be just fine. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they don't develop signs of coccidiosis. If they do you're going to want to treat with Corid anyway.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

You're totally good to switch them straight over. Chickens are great at being able to switch feed without mixing it.

I will say, unless you are separating them via a barrier first, do be careful integrating them with the size difference. Make sure the chickens have a safe place only they can reach so they can safely get away from the bigger hens

 

[Chickentender08]

I would just switch the chicks over to the non-medicated crumbles. They should be just fine. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they don't develop signs of coccidiosis. If they do you're going to want to treat with Corid anyway.

Thank you! The medicated feed will be gone in a couple days and I’ll be switching them over.

 

[Chickentender08]

You're totally good to switch them straight over. Chickens are great at being able to switch feed without mixing it.

I will say, unless you are separating them via a barrier first, do be careful integrating them with the size difference. Make sure the chickens have a safe place only they can reach so they can safely get away from the bigger hens

Thank you! Medicated feed will be switched over in a couple days. I let the hens free range today and put the pullets in the 16x20 run-I didn’t realize the big girls followed me in when I went inside with the pullets and one hen went after a pullet. No one got hurt, just scared-completely my fault. We’ve now moved a large dog cage into the run for the pullets. They’ll still be let out to roam the run while the other hens are out ranging but fencing now keeps them separated and safe until everyone acclimates.

 

[DobieLover]

No one got hurt, just scared-completely my fault.

This is totally normal behavior. The hens are going to chase the pullets and the pullets are going to run and act scared. That's how they learn to respect them and stay away. Even after they've acclimated to each other this is going to happen.