PoppasGrill
Songster
We have 26 chicks, 8+ weeks old , that have been in “Look-don’t touch” for 2.5-3 weeks.
Tried letting them get yard time last weekend with poor results.
First thing was the Roosters, started pecking at several of them, and one even tried to mount a chick. We were on hand to stop this , thankfully, and put the chicks back in the coop after only 1/2 hour of yard time.
A few hens tried pecking, but it was half hearted and they didn’t chase the chicks.
Our Tom’s followed the 2 turkey chicks around and were very protective if any chickens got close.
One chick got out during feeding time, without us noticing for about an hour. When we went back out and found her she was still alive, though bloody, with her head pecked severely and might have lost an eye. We don’t know which chickens got ahold of her, but are treating her injuries and have her isolated.
Don’t know if it’s just too many chicks, the last batch was 11 and fully integrated at 7 weeks.
We want to be able to let them free range with the rest of the flock, but not if they are going to get injured.
Tried letting them get yard time last weekend with poor results.
First thing was the Roosters, started pecking at several of them, and one even tried to mount a chick. We were on hand to stop this , thankfully, and put the chicks back in the coop after only 1/2 hour of yard time.
A few hens tried pecking, but it was half hearted and they didn’t chase the chicks.
Our Tom’s followed the 2 turkey chicks around and were very protective if any chickens got close.
One chick got out during feeding time, without us noticing for about an hour. When we went back out and found her she was still alive, though bloody, with her head pecked severely and might have lost an eye. We don’t know which chickens got ahold of her, but are treating her injuries and have her isolated.
Don’t know if it’s just too many chicks, the last batch was 11 and fully integrated at 7 weeks.
We want to be able to let them free range with the rest of the flock, but not if they are going to get injured.