The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: swm on August 12, 2011, 08:29:03 am

Title: When to let chicks in the with the main flock
Post by: swm on August 12, 2011, 08:29:03 am

Hi,

I have reared my fist set of chicks under two mothers (unfortunate accident). The 5 chicks and two hens have been living in an separate enclosed coop/run that is within the main run (made up of 100m of electric netting. The chicks are now 4 weeks old and growing well. At what point can they be allowed out to mingle with the other hens?

We have number of crows/magpies in the area and the occasional bird of prey but otherwise the area has been safe so far.

Any thought appreciated

Sam

Title: Re: When to let chicks in the with the main flock
Post by: jaykay on August 12, 2011, 08:53:04 am

I like mine to be 8-10 weeks old (and so onto layers pellets) before I put them in with the rest. On the other hand, mine are usually incubator reared so have no mum to look after them.

Title: Re: When to let chicks in the with the main flock
Post by: Heather on August 12, 2011, 10:52:38 am

I don't think it's unfortunate to have 2 mums!  I've done that twice with very good results.
Mine mixed with the flock from about 3wks.  The mum's didn't take them far to begin with - they just went round the perimeter of their own run.  Then gradually they took them further-now 8weeks they have the whole garden.