I've had my Meyer's hatchery pullets for a month in their own pen.
I was sad to find when I picked them up at the hatchery that they had been debeaked. I know they were hatched and raised in VA and then shipped in crates to OH, so I guess I understand why the debeaking, but I don't really like it. After a month, I don't see much growth in the beaks--the lower beak is longer than the top. But they are all 4 now laying almost an egg a day.
I really want to put the 4 in with my main flock. Do you think I can when they don't have their beaks for defense? I have 11 grown hens with beaks that they'll have to stand up to. They've seen each other through their run fence for a month, but haven't really been together. I'd like to put them together on the day I open the main flock to their new larger run area.
**This is not a place to discuss debeaking issues, just integrating flocks advice.** Thanks!
I was sad to find when I picked them up at the hatchery that they had been debeaked. I know they were hatched and raised in VA and then shipped in crates to OH, so I guess I understand why the debeaking, but I don't really like it. After a month, I don't see much growth in the beaks--the lower beak is longer than the top. But they are all 4 now laying almost an egg a day.

I really want to put the 4 in with my main flock. Do you think I can when they don't have their beaks for defense? I have 11 grown hens with beaks that they'll have to stand up to. They've seen each other through their run fence for a month, but haven't really been together. I'd like to put them together on the day I open the main flock to their new larger run area.
**This is not a place to discuss debeaking issues, just integrating flocks advice.** Thanks!