Pennsylvania!! Unite!!

[BullChick]

 

Wonder if I should try integrating sooner? I've always waited until about 16 weeks. Both flocks have been separate, but can see each other through fence for about 2 weeks, then free range together and then open the door between the runs to make one big run to integrate. I have a coop on each end of a shared run which can be split. 

Right now the chicks are in the smaller coop/run area and my 8 layers are in the bigger coop/run. They can see each other through the fence which is separated by a gate which can be opened to allow for one big run. So maybe let them stare each other down for 2 weeks and then open the separating door wide enough for only the chicks to get through, but not the big hens? 

My girls can't free range anymore b/c of our predator problem though, so chicks would be constantly in sight and mind and in the big girls territory. 
Thoughts? 

ETA: My chicks are 7-8 weeks now

As long as they've seen each other for a week ir two, I'd let the chicks out. Having the ability to get back to their own coop and run is definitely a good idea.
When I integrated my chicks in the past, I didn't have that option. I would open the connecting door at night, and the next day everyone was together and fine.

 

[chiques chicks]

Since it's picture day.

First three out this year. They are from my albino project, but aren't albino. No red eyes or pink legs.

 

[BullChick]

Cute!

 

[AnRamire]

It really all depends on your flock and their tolerance for smaller birds. With mine, I put a large dog crate in the coop with my new additions (once fully feathered) for a few days to a week before letting them loose in the coop with the others. There are rarely any issues besides the occasional peck to sort the pecking order. I Keri then ask confined together for about a week before allowing them to free range again. I haven't had any issues with integrating yet. Good luck!

Thanks for the reply. I'm really hoping it works out. I will certainly try your strategy. They still have a long way to go. My silkies are not even 1 week old yet.

 

[stake]

I know I started another thread, but hope i can find help here...I currently have four 1 year old BO. who tend to be friendly ,,, for the most part. But I have recently purchased six silky chicks. Do I need to build another coop or could they co exist together ..And if so When and how do I introduce them? PS my coop is 8x8 and they free range for most of the day. Ty in advance for all your help.

I don't free range any more so my process has changed...but, I used to get 2' hardware cloth and make a circle to let your little ones out...the big girls will come around and check them out,,,,after a few times, just let them mix and keep an eye on them....mixing six into your flock is a lot better than trying to add one.....my two cents...

 

[stake]

GM all:
Just found three ticks on the pooch....frontline time......

For those looking for Silkies, there is a Chester Co woman named???..."Lisa"....I think Blarney knows her, she had Silkies, CCLs, Chauntler's(sp), and some really nice looking Turkeys (I think she gave up on the CCLs though?)

 

[TillyPeeps]

Both definitely pullets. Unlike Brownie, the autosexing breed pullets have a single barring gene, so you will see white tipping on the feathers. If Dolly was a male she would appear more white than brown. The difference is striking at any age, but the more feathers are grown in, the bigger the difference.

Brownie looks like an partridge pattern of some sort. I wish I understood the genetics that made her that color, I might try to make more like her sometime.

Thank you!

I feel relieved now. I never really worried about Brownie, but Dolly's large legs make her look so different from the other girls.

Brownie does have a interesting, beautiful looking and is not solid brown. I cannot wait to see how she will look like as an adult. Maybe you can put Brownie's father back to the breeding pen to help your main roo?

 

[dheltzel]

Thank you!

I feel relieved now. I never really worried about Brownie, but Dolly's large legs make her look so different from the other girls.

Brownie does have a interesting, beautiful looking and is not solid brown. I cannot wait to see how she will look like as an adult. Maybe you can put Brownie's father back to the breeding pen to help your main roo?

She is just "big boned", LOL.
I have no idea why Dollie is larger, normally the legbars are at a disadvantage size wise. I think her size is good, the others will catch up and maybe even pass her in size.

I wish I could add another roo to that pen, but Rocky (my big black Ameraucana) is simple not a "team player". I have no doubt he would kill any roo I put in there, even if I could find a larger or meaner one. It's his home turf and his girls, and he's not sharing - ever. That said, a sole, dominant roo in prime breeding condition is a sight to behold. He commands attention and gets it. I have to admire him, he really cares about taking care of the hens and is never mean to them or to any human (just his competition, which I find understandable).

 

[TillyPeeps]

She is just "big boned", LOL.
I have no idea why Dollie is larger, normally the legbars are at a disadvantage size wise. I think her size is good, the others will catch up and maybe even pass her in size.

I wish I could add another roo to that pen, but Rocky (my big black Ameraucana) is simple not a "team player". I have no doubt he would kill any roo I put in there, even if I could find a larger or meaner one. It's his home turf and his girls, and he's not sharing - ever. That said, a sole, dominant roo in prime breeding condition is a sight to behold. He commands attention and gets it. I have to admire him, he really cares about taking care of the hens and is never mean to them or to any human (just his competition, which I find understandable).

Actually, Dolly is not a big chick, it's her legs that are much longer and stronger than the other girls. I guess that's from her Mediterranean ancestors, because she is a more flighty than the other chicks.
If Rocky works so hard to successfully serve 31 girls, I agree that he deserve his private house full of girls.

 

[dheltzel]

If Rocky works so hard to successfully serve 31 girls, I agree that he deserve his private house full of girls.

Young cockerels everywhere dream of an assignment like his. I really think he knows he's got a great gig.
Fertility from there has been 85% or better the last few weeks. Last weekend 70 chicks hatched from 88 eggs the went into lockdown (I think the temp spike killed some in the shell). This week there are 113 eggs in lockdown. They will start hatching tomorrow night.

Rocky is siring a *lot* of chicks.