It’s completely possible to combine multiple age groups of chickens into one space. Ideally, you can keep them separate until they’re full-grown, but not everyone has that much room.
How do you introduce younger chickens to older chickens?
A gradual introduction is a good idea—put your young pullets in a pet carrier or enclosure on the other side of the fence so the older chickens can get used to the sight and smell of them, which often makes the transition much easier for all.
How do you feed chickens of different ages in the same coop?
Feeding an unmedicated starter/grower to a flock of mixed age birds with oyster shell available free-choice (in a separate dish) is the best solution. The additional protein in the starter/grower ration won’t hurt the older birds, but the calcium in layer feed can damage the kidneys of growing birds.
How long does it take for hens to accept new hens?
It can take quite a long time – up to 3 weeks for new chickens to get to like each other. Be patient. There will be pecking orders established so some pecking is okay. Just watch to make sure they aren’t fighting for more than 20-30 seconds, drawing blood.
How long will new chickens fight?
But other fighting behavior can include: pecking, squabbling, chasing, and blocking other birds paths. Fighting behavior can last between 2-14 days to settle. So be prepared, and keep an eye on your chickens, especially new and smaller birds. If you spot any wounds that are bleeding treat them immediately.
Will big chickens hurt little chickens?
The older chickens peck the newcomers hard. They chase them, and they try to keep the newcomers away from the food and water supply. Through all of this, the new chickens can become weakened and even seriously injured or in the most extreme cases, killed.
What to feed chickens of different ages?
The Importance of Age-Appropriate Poultry Feed
- Starter Feed For Baby Chicks: 0-8 Weeks Old.
- Grower Feed For Pullets: 8-16 Weeks Old.
- Layer Feed For Hens: 16+ Weeks.
- Poultry Scratch & Other Treats.
- Step 1: Chick Starter Crumble.
- Step 2: Pullet Developer Crumble.
- Step 3: Poultry Layer Mash, Pellets & Crumble.
How do you introduce new chickens at night?
Some folks get the process over and done with as quickly as possible by putting the new chickens into the coop with the established flock during the nighttime. This means putting the new hens either on the perches or just leaving them in the bedding overnight. Lots of people have had success using this method.
Will A rooster hurt new hens?
Both should be happy to meet and there’s no pecking order to establish. If you’re introducing a rooster and hens, then a couple of weeks should be adequate. As soon as you put the two groups together, the rooster will want to meet the new hens and the hens will be pecking to establish order.
Will chickens fight at night?
Introduce new chickens at night-time as this can help to minimise fights – use a torch, place new birds on perches or in the coop as birds are far less likely to start fighting at night and tend to be less aware of new additions once it gets lighter.
How do you stop chickens from killing each other?
9 easy ways to stop chickens from killing each other:
- Introduce new flock members slowly.
- Avoid overcrowding.
- Let them free range.
- Remove the extra roosters.
- Remove the hens.
- Get rid of very aggressive birds.
- Separate the baby chicks.
- Separate any wounded birds.
How do you stop aggressive chickens?
Perhaps the most humane way to do this is to show dominance similarly to how you’d train a dog. For chicken domination, at first sign of attack, reach down, grab the bird by the feet, turn it upside down—ignore the squawking—and tuck it under your arm like a football.
Can I put my 5 week old chickens outside?
Yes, 5-week old chicks can go outside from the brooder. However, this depends on the breed of the baby chick because some varieties take longer to develop feathers. Chicks need to stay warm enough while outdoors. Thin or incomplete feathering on the body or wings provides little protection against cold temperatures.
When can I let my chickens free range?
The best hours for supervised free ranging are just prior to dusk. This way, the chickens should automatically return to their coop/run as the daylight fades.
Can you mix chickens from different flocks?
Combining two flocks of chickens can be done successfully but it will take a bit of patience and monitoring by the chicken owner. By keeping a close eye on the chickens, you will be able to spot problems quickly before they escalate into something serious.
Can layers eat all flock?
It’s all in the name – all flock feed is perfect for mixed flocks. Feed the whole crew whether your chickens are layers or broilers, whether you’re growing or breeding additional poultry and waterfowl. Take chickens, for example.
Can 16 week old chickens eat layer feed?
Ideally, you should wait until your birds transition to a layer feed at 18 weeks before introducing treats. If you can’t wait to spoil your young ladies, then at least wait until they are 12 weeks of age. Keep the portions small when they are young.
How long should chickens be on starter feed?
Typically, baby chicks are fed starter feed until they are six weeks of age. Starter feed is protein dense (usually 20-24% protein) and designed to meet the dietary requirements of baby chicks.
How long do you keep chickens on grower feed?
The entire flock can be fed the chicken grower feed from the time the new flock members are about eight weeks old and done with chick feed, right up until they are almost laying age, around 16 to 18 weeks old. At that point, the new layers will switch from chicken grower feed and need a laying feed.
How often should I give my chickens scratch?
How Often Can I Feed Chicken Scratch? You should not feed chicken scratch on a daily basis, but you can instead use it as an occasional treat. Most chicken scratch is made out of cracked corn and other grains. These are tasty foods for your chickens, and they’ll enjoy gobbling them up.
Will chickens accept new chickens?
Some hens welcome newcomers, while others are more standoffish and still others are downright bullies pecking at the new birds until they understand their place at the bottom of the pecking order. This can not only stress out the new birds, but it can also cause some serious injuries and in extreme cases, death.