JAL
Chirping
I have questions on the best approach to integrating the mother and chicks into the flock. The pics are from years ago, but they were taken at good angles to show the setup.
In the main coop and run, I have 8 hens (2 yr old), one rooster (2 yr old), and one 8 yr old, retired hen. The rooster has a good disposition but would likely appreciate a few more ladies. In the small coop, I have the mother hen (2 yr old), and her 4 chicks (2 weeks old).
The small coop is parallel to the run and next to the run gate. The flock sees the hen and chicks every day. The main coop and small coop are secure with hardware cloth. The run is covered with 2x4 welded wire.
I do have a portable fence and could try a ‘free range’ approach but hesitate because predator attacks are very common. One possibility would be to create a ‘tunnel’ between the small coop and run? Add cardboard boxes with smaller openings to the run for hiding? I do know to provide multiple sources of water and food when integrating. Ideally, all need to be back to either the small or large coop at night.
Any advice on chick age for integrating, approach to integrating, and general advice given my setup is much appreciated!
In the main coop and run, I have 8 hens (2 yr old), one rooster (2 yr old), and one 8 yr old, retired hen. The rooster has a good disposition but would likely appreciate a few more ladies. In the small coop, I have the mother hen (2 yr old), and her 4 chicks (2 weeks old).
The small coop is parallel to the run and next to the run gate. The flock sees the hen and chicks every day. The main coop and small coop are secure with hardware cloth. The run is covered with 2x4 welded wire.
I do have a portable fence and could try a ‘free range’ approach but hesitate because predator attacks are very common. One possibility would be to create a ‘tunnel’ between the small coop and run? Add cardboard boxes with smaller openings to the run for hiding? I do know to provide multiple sources of water and food when integrating. Ideally, all need to be back to either the small or large coop at night.
Any advice on chick age for integrating, approach to integrating, and general advice given my setup is much appreciated!