When should I let my pullets out with the hens?

[ehoneybee]

They're almost 3 months old so smaller than the hens but they've been in a small coop in the run for over a month now. One did escape and git chased around and pecked but I'm not sure that's just normal? Are they too small still? I don't need to rush it, just curious to know when people blend their mixed age flocks together.

 

[trumpeting_angel]

Are the pullets and then hens housed within sight of each other? They get used to each other without endangering anybody, if they are just separated by some HW cloth or chicken wire.

 

[ehoneybee]

Are the pullets and then hens housed within sight of each other? They get used to each other without endangering anybody, if they are just separated by some HW cloth or chicken wire.

Yes. Everyone can see each other. The hens are at least aware of their food because they hover around their coop to grab some that falls outside the mesh. I free range when it's safe. Should I free range them together first? Maybe right before dusk so they can go back in together?

 

[so lucky]

You might want to let them all free range together for a few days before putting them all in the coop together.
Also, it would be a good idea to provide a separate roost, for the new girls to use if they aren't allowed on the big girls roost.

 

[ehoneybee]

You might want to let them all free range together for a few days before putting them all in the coop together.
Also, it would be a good idea to provide a separate roost, for the new girls to use if they aren't allowed on the big girls roost.

They have separate coops already so I assume they'll just go back in their separate coops (also there's no room for all 9 in any of the coops. We added another flock recently and they were separate until a few weeks passed and they were integrated. Maybe they'll switch it up!

 

[ehoneybee]

So, what do I do if the chicks try to eat the layer feed and the layers try to eat the chick feed? If I let them out in the run they have access to both coops where the food is.

Also, can I give them layer feed at 16 weeks when it says I should discontinue the chick feed, or is there something in between i should give?

 

[rosemarythyme]

So, what do I do if the chicks try to eat the layer feed and the layers try to eat the chick feed? If I let them out in the run they have access to both coops where the food is.

Put everyone on chick feed or on some sort of all flock, then there won't be an issue as far as feed. Once the chicks get close to laying you can switch back to layer if you want.

 

[ehoneybee]

Put everyone on chick feed or on some sort of all flock, then there won't be an issue as far as feed. Once the chicks get close to laying you can switch back to layer if you want.

That won't affect the layers?

 

[rosemarythyme]

That won't affect the layers?

Nope, they'll enjoy the chick feed actually. Make sure they have ample oyster shell available on the side and that the hens are eating it.

 

[ehoneybee]

Nope, they'll enjoy the chick feed actually. Make sure they have ample oyster shell available on the side and that the hens are eating it.

What if the chicks get onto the oyster shell?