Based on what I've read here, attitudes really vary. Some folks wait a few weeks, some folks get in early. My guess is that there are advantages and risks to both approaches.
Chicks living with a broody would be exposed to things very early -- they'll take the chicks outside after only a few days -- so I'm using that as a guide. I'd like my girls to have some controlled exposure. A violet or a spring of henbit or chickweed from the yard they'll be living in soon seems like a safe way to do that, and gives them something to play with to boot. I'm also watching their appetites very carefully, as well as their activity level, and the condition of their poop. If anything goes awry, I'm poised to act.
I'm also using ACV in their water, and will be introducing some yogurt this weekend as preventives. I'm feeding unmedicated (Purina Flock Raiser crumbles) with the intention of only medicating when necessary, so this is kind of all part of the plan. That said, this is my first flock, and I'm flying on theory rather than experience at this point, so if more experienced folks have feedback I'd be glad to discuss!
Chicks living with a broody would be exposed to things very early -- they'll take the chicks outside after only a few days -- so I'm using that as a guide. I'd like my girls to have some controlled exposure. A violet or a spring of henbit or chickweed from the yard they'll be living in soon seems like a safe way to do that, and gives them something to play with to boot. I'm also watching their appetites very carefully, as well as their activity level, and the condition of their poop. If anything goes awry, I'm poised to act.
I'm also using ACV in their water, and will be introducing some yogurt this weekend as preventives. I'm feeding unmedicated (Purina Flock Raiser crumbles) with the intention of only medicating when necessary, so this is kind of all part of the plan. That said, this is my first flock, and I'm flying on theory rather than experience at this point, so if more experienced folks have feedback I'd be glad to discuss!