What should I do?

[bbond]

I just had to euthanize one of my 12 wk old chicks because he got pecked by the older chickens. I have 12 younger ones and 4 older ones and they were free ranging while I thought the chicks had plenty of space to get away and places to hide. My speckled Sussex hen has been the most aggressive towards them and is the only one who was not roosting when I found he chick. They’ve been able to see each other for close to a month while being separated by wire. My speckled Sussex roo has also been flogging my toddler, well attempting to. He hasn’t got any spurs yet and I’ve taught her how to put him in his place for now. I am thinking of selling all of my 4-5 month old birds since there are only four of them two Sexlinks and two Sussex. What should I charge for started birds this close to point of lay?

 

[jillscoop]

Just keep them apart till they even out in size, (2-3 months). they'll still create a pecking order when they get together the first time but they can defend themselves when they are the same size. To finally acclimate them together when grown put them together at night while roosting, by morning they'll think they know each other.

 

[keesmom]

If the sex links aren't causing too much drama maybe consider parting with just the Sussex pair. The cockerel at least must go.

 

[sylviethecochin]

In my area, POL pullets go for $15 each. Where do you live? Maybe consider posting to your state thread for advice? Cockerels go for less than $10, usually less than $5, unless the Asian guy's there (no idea what his name is, or why he pays 20+ for a laying breed cockerel, but I'm happy when he's there!)

 

[bbond]

In my area, POL pullets go for $15 each. Where do you live? Maybe consider posting to your state thread for advice? Cockerels go for less than $10, usually less than $5, unless the Asian guy's there (no idea what his name is, or why he pays 20+ for a laying breed cockerel, but I'm happy when he's there!)

I’m in Middle Tennessee and it seems like the flashier breeds actually sell quite well at around $20- or at least that’s what I’ve seen advertised. Not sure if anything actually sold at that price. I would like to keep them as a pair to make the cockerel more attractive. I may keep the sexlinks because they’ve got great personalities.

 

[eblaylock]

I'm sorry to hear about your chick.
I'm in MidTn also.
I just posted about one of my 2 pullets being a cockerel. (Well, she is a rooster...) I'm thinking about adding started pullets to give me 4 gals to 1 boy. He is starting to get hormonal. They are 15 weeks old.
Let me know what you decide about selling your older pullets.