sheepchase
In the Brooder
I had a flock of 10 hens and 2 roos. They're still fairly young 8-9 months old. They free range in the back yard with about an acre and have a coop that's about 20x15 and 10tall with roosts, food, and nesting boxes. They only really stay in at night and to lay and munch. I got 4 three year old hens from someone that couldn't have them anymore. They were in a tiny prefab coop before. They seemed to integrate well after their separation period. A few squabbles, but to be expected. The new ones don't like to be out as much as my other ones, but it's only been a month, and theyre not used to it. They can stay inside for all I care. The problem is that at least one of the new birds will peck at or eat the eggs from the old ones. I'm seeing q free less eggs a day, and one of them clearly had yolk on her.
How do I stop this? We are doing a new setup in May to accommodate some more birds. I am planning on having the nesting boxes a little more separate from the "living room" in the new setup.
How do I stop this? We are doing a new setup in May to accommodate some more birds. I am planning on having the nesting boxes a little more separate from the "living room" in the new setup.