A few years ago we made a temporary outdoor wire covered pen that was attached to the chick shed that was inside a larger fenced area where the adult chickens were (who slept in the barn). At 12 weeks we tore down the temporary pen, so that the chicks could be in the same fenced area with the adults, and they integrated okay. The two groups had separate sleeping areas that the doors open to the same area. It seemed that if there are enough chicks the adults don't bother them too much. The lowest hen would rush at the chicks sometimes it seemed just to scare them.
Since then we've done things differently each year. Some have grown up in the total free range area, with adults around also, and have slept in the same barn. There is always enough room so the young ones don't have to sleep close to the adults. I don't keep any chickens that are more aggressive than establishing pecking order.
For now though, due to a fox everyone has to be in the fenced area by the house.
Since then we've done things differently each year. Some have grown up in the total free range area, with adults around also, and have slept in the same barn. There is always enough room so the young ones don't have to sleep close to the adults. I don't keep any chickens that are more aggressive than establishing pecking order.
For now though, due to a fox everyone has to be in the fenced area by the house.
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