We built a separate fenced in area (that touched the existing pen), and let the birds see each other, but they couldn't get at each other. We kept the young birds in there foe a few weeks. When we moved them all into the same area, it was like a middle school dance. Older birds on one side, young birds on the other. The older girls did some pecking and let the younger ones know they needed to stay out of the way. I was very careful to make sure no one was getting injured, that was my biggest concern. I did also add some more feeders and another waterer so the young ones can get some. It has been a couple weeks now and the younger ones are starting to go out and explore a little more ( we let them free range in an open area during the day).
I would not say the older hens are mothering them, but they are tolerating them. The younger ones are starting to get curious about the laying boxes. The other day, 7 of them were in the hen house watching a couple older hens lay :)
I have been thinking about a rooster, it would be awesome to hatch our own chicks!
So you have 19 birds? How did the older ones take to the new ones? Did they mother them or treat them like strangers?
I accidentally got a rooster. I might let some of my girls have a baby or two.
We built a separate fenced in area (that touched the existing pen), and let the birds see each other, but they couldn't get at each other. We kept the young birds in there foe a few weeks. When we moved them all into the same area, it was like a middle school dance. Older birds on one side, young birds on the other. The older girls did some pecking and let the younger ones know they needed to stay out of the way. I was very careful to make sure no one was getting injured, that was my biggest concern. I did also add some more feeders and another waterer so the young ones can get some. It has been a couple weeks now and the younger ones are starting to go out and explore a little more ( we let them free range in an open area during the day).
I would not say the older hens are mothering them, but they are tolerating them. The younger ones are starting to get curious about the laying boxes. The other day, 7 of them were in the hen house watching a couple older hens lay :)
I have been thinking about a rooster, it would be awesome to hatch our own chicks!