With chick season here and some new folks just getting into it, what are some tips from some older hens on how to raise or integrate chicks into an established flock. Mine are
A. I never add a single chick, but always raise them in groups of two or more
B. When I first put the new chicks in they are physically separated by wire
C. After a few days, the wire is left open but there is always a "hiding place"
D. The hiding place needs to be small enough that big chickens cannot get in
E. There is plenty of room for the two "flocks" to be apart
This seems to dramatically decrease trauma for the new chicks, and eventually the flocks integrate. Other tips?
A. I never add a single chick, but always raise them in groups of two or more
B. When I first put the new chicks in they are physically separated by wire
C. After a few days, the wire is left open but there is always a "hiding place"
D. The hiding place needs to be small enough that big chickens cannot get in
E. There is plenty of room for the two "flocks" to be apart
This seems to dramatically decrease trauma for the new chicks, and eventually the flocks integrate. Other tips?
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Portland
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Re: Expanding the Flock
Thu, April 24, 2008 - 8:36 AMFirst I do all of your suggestions. If they can socialise with some wire separating them they tend to get used to eachother after 1-2 weeks.
Plus, if I have a new/empty coup available I move both sets of birds together at dusk. This means the older birds are not so territorial as it is also a new home to them.
