New and getting 6 week old hens

[Coopshaus]

I have my coop and am currently working on finishing my run. I have purchased 6 week old chicks and I will get my two Plymouth Barred Rock and two Midnight Majesty Marans at the end of April. It's exciting thinking that my chicks are now hatched. I purchased started birds to avoid getting any Roos. Is there anything I should worry about with putting 4 new birds in together?

As far as food and care goes... I have purchased locally grown and made grower pellets for my new flock. I personally garden and purchase organics and would like to maintain organic with my flock. Should I worry about oyster shells, medication or anything other additives with my young flock? I have good bedding and diatomaceous earth for the coop. Was also planning on low silica sand for the tray under the perch. I've read about apple cider vinegar and or adding garlic to their water. I live in Southern Ontario and the temperatures should be 16C/61F by the last week of April. I believe it will be even warmer by then since we are currently experiencing those temperatures a month ahead of time. Any thoughtful insight or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[cherrynberry]

Welcome! It’s totally fine for chicks to live together. Just don’t let them get to squished or bored or they tend to peck each other. Also, if you plan on getting more chickens from a different flock, don’t let them merge into your flock right away, first speedways them, make sure they are disease free ( I like to deworm them), and slowly integrate them in.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Since the birds are young, and I assume from reputable hatcheries/breeders(?), I'd probably skip medical quarantine in favor of integrating them, as they're more accepting of new flock members when younger, and when the novelty of a new home will naturally shake up any existing pecking order.

I don't know what standards the Canadian govt holds for organic certified eggs. In the US, these birds wouldn't be certified organic unless the breeders were strictly following organic practices, for example - just feeding organic food does not make organic eggs. Though if these are for home consumption I assume "organic enough" is acceptable?

They won't need oyster shell until they're close to/begin laying. I don't add anything extra (my flock gets feed, a few treats, and plain water) unless I'm treating for a specific, existing issue.

DE is a hot topic on here, I don't use it and don't know what your plan is for it. I'd recommend looking at pros and cons and deciding what's right for you.

 

[Coopshaus]

Since the birds are young, and I assume from reputable hatcheries/breeders(?), I'd probably skip medical quarantine in favor of integrating them, as they're more accepting of new flock members when younger, and when the novelty of a new home will naturally shake up any existing pecking order.

I don't know what standards the Canadian govt holds for organic certified eggs. In the US, these birds wouldn't be certified organic unless the breeders were strictly following organic practices, for example - just feeding organic food does not make organic eggs. Though if these are for home consumption I assume "organic enough" is acceptable?

They won't need oyster shell until they're close to/begin laying. I don't add anything extra (my flock gets feed, a few treats, and plain water) unless I'm treating for a specific, existing issue.

DE is a hot topic on here, I don't use it and don't know what your plan is for it. I'd recommend looking at pros and cons and deciding what's right for you.

I believe our standards are similar here. I’m not looking to certify my eggs, as I’m not legally supposed to distribute any eggs. They will be for close friends and family only. My immediate neighbours may get an occasional basket as well so that they are happy. I personally like to choose organic in other aspects of my life with produce etc. I didn’t go Organic with My first bag of feed but I do plan on switching over especially once I’m into layer feed.

I will look further into the DE. I did do some research earlier and read it was good for any mites or pests as well as keeping odor down. It will make the waste usable faster. I also read that the birds like to have a dirt bath and that it is good to add some DE to their bath. I will definitely look into the DE a lot more for the use with my birds. I did buy the DE for my garden as I had a very bad run in the Mexican Bean Beetles last year and expect them to be back this year. I also have a worm farm so the DE won’t go to waste if I decide not to use it for the flock.

Thank you very much for the reply.

 

[aart]

I did buy the DE for my garden as I had a very bad run in the Mexican Bean Beetles last year and expect them to be back this year.

Did it work?
DE won't prevent poultry mites/lice, nor will it eliminate an infestation.
....and it can be serious respiratory irritant for birds sensitive systems.

As far a managing odors, how you handle your bedding and coop ventilation will have much more effect on odors than DE.

I live in Southern Ontario

Oh, and..... Welcome to BYC! @Coopshaus
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[Coopshaus]

Did it work?
DE won't prevent poultry mites/lice, nor will it eliminate an infestation.
....and it can be serious respiratory irritant for birds sensitive systems.

As far a managing odors, how you handle your bedding and coop ventilation will have much more effect on odors than DE.


Oh, and..... Welcome to BYC! @Coopshaus
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2584262

Awesome! Thank you for the feedback and the info. With my new flock I’m trying to learn as much as possible ASAP with my flock coming in 4 weeks. I’ve researched for over a year but this group has many years experience. I also appreciate feedback from a premium member. TYVM

 

[aart]

"I also appreciate feedback from a premium member."

Oh, that's just a membership upgrade that can be purchased or won in a contest.
Read other posts by members to assess their experience and outlook