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melmacallister

Hatching
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I have two chicken houses.
I found that buying from 2 different hatches sometimes separates the pack. I have a lovely rooster. He is in with his two older babes and one is brooding her first clutch. The other female is the rooster's companion for now.
I have another pen with six 1 yr old hens. They are Barnvelders.
I only let them out at separate times. I leave the 6 in because they lay inside instead of hiding spots outside, which will alert the predators.
I am curious to know, since this is also my first clutch raised by my girl, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

1. Do I have to protect them from the rooster other than giving them a safe place to hide away from them?
2. If I feed them chicken starter will it make my older 2 and rooster sick?
3. At what age do I allow them to roam with their mom?

I'm sure I'll come up with more questions, but I'm sure I'll find help here.
Thank you.
 
Welcome to BYC! So glad to have you! :frow

Your broody hen will do most of the work. She'll introduce them to her flock mates, and will take them out to roam around. Your rooster should be perfectly fine with the chicks! So you really don't have to do much.
As for the chicken starter, all ages can have it. They'll be okay to eat it.
 
Hello and welcome to BYC! :frow

Congrats on the broody hatch! Let babies and mom have their own separate space for a while. When she looks ready to hang out closer to the flock, you can let her do so, she will protect her babies. You can use a Flock Raiser type feed, one that all can eat without calcium. Keep oyster shell on the side in a separate bowl, near the food or water.

Enjoy your flock and welcome to ours!
 
Hello Mel, and welcome to BYC! :frow Glad you joined.

Dad should be just fine with his kids. I never keep a broody from taking her brood into the flock. Feeding chick starter to the rooster and the other hen is not only NOT going to make them sick, it is a far better choice for permanent feed for them than layer mix is. Especially for the rooster. Just put out a container or two of oyster shell for free choice feeding by the active laying hens and you never have to change a thing.

Daddy with his many different hatches of chicks.
Barb's first day roosting the chicks.jpg
Fabio with chicks and momma 1.jpg
Family portrait 1.jpg
Kerrie with her chicks.jpg
 

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