- Sep 21, 2009
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I have 2 two year old hens and 2 ten-week old pullets. They have been together in the same coop and run for about 2 weeks now (before that the chicks were in a cage in the run). They avoid each other all day long--the ten week olds hang out inside the coop when the older hens are in the run, and they switch places a couple of times during the day. Basically the younger ones run away from the older ones. I have been putting food and water inside the coop so the little ones will be able to get to it. I'm wondering how long this will go on--will they eventually eat and drink together and not run away from each other? I would like to stop putting the extra food and water inside the coop eventually because it's making a mess, and I want to train them all to go outside to eat and drink and hang out and go inside at night.
Also, the younger ones are sleeping in the nesting boxes, I think because they feel safer from the older ones there--is that something to worry about? Will they eventually go up on one of the roosts, even if it means being closer to the older ones?
Also, the younger ones are sleeping in the nesting boxes, I think because they feel safer from the older ones there--is that something to worry about? Will they eventually go up on one of the roosts, even if it means being closer to the older ones?