Which breed layed a speckly brown egg and when can the chicks join the flock?

[Shawna235]

Our first egg (sorry no picture) was small, perfectly shaped, very hard shelled, and medium brown w/ some white speckles on it. I have a Buff Orpington age 19 1/2 weeks, 2 Barred Rocks age 18 weeks... the rest are 16 1/2 weeks and are Wyandottes, RIRs, Ameraucana and Black Sex Link. My guess was to be on egg watch for the remainder around the first of September.

We are almost out of feed so I was going to switch to layer crumble next bag. I also have 3- 7 week old chicks (Light Brahma, Ameraucana, and Blue Langshan). When can I house them w/ the older girls? Will sharing layer feed be a problem? They currently sleep in a large dog crate and free roam of the yard which is separated from the chicken run by a cyclone fence. They are allowed time in the yard together only when I am outside to supervise but can observe each other all day through the fence. I also have a RIR roo (age 16 weeks as well who just found his crow and his testosterone).

 

[Den in Penn]

White spots means the pigment was unevenly applied. It probably was the Orpington, its a little early for the Bar Rocks. Yes feeding layer will be a problem if you want to integrate the youngest in soon. Best to feed them all an all flock or keep them on grower with a calcium supplement in a side dish.