First time hatching chicks

[Slothinc]

Our weather is cooling down a bit this week, I am worried it’s going to be too cold for the 6.5 week olds.

But my bielefelder hen is the same size as some of my full grown hens now. I feel bad leaving her in the brooder. Should I try integrating her on her own or make her wait another week in the brooder?

I’ve been giving them field trips into the run with the hens. Keeping them in a dog crate in the run during the day for a little while in the afternoon so they can get used to each other.

If she still gets along with the littles in the brooder, I would keep them together. I think it will be an easier transition. I personally don’t love integrating a single chicken into a flock, but I know some people do it successfully. I think what you are doing with their field trips is great!

 

[Ilovechickens2525]

If she still gets along with the littles in the brooder, I would keep them together. I think it will be an easier transition. I personally don’t love integrating a single chicken into a flock, but I know some people do it successfully. I think what you are doing with their field trips is great!

Ok, sounds good. The 4 chicks seem to really want the 2.5 month old to stay with them anyway lol. They were loudly chirping waiting for her to come back from the field trip yesterday when I put them back in the brooder a few minutes before her lol!

When I do integrate them all, can I just give all of them grower feed? Including my full grown hens.

 

[Ilovechickens2525]

@Slothinc here is the chick you helped me assist. She’s doing so great, I can’t believe it. Had to show you a pic, I don’t think she’d be here if it weren’t for your help. Thank you!

 

[Slothinc]

@Slothinc here is the chick you helped me assist. She’s doing so great, I can’t believe it. Had to show you a pic, I don’t think she’d be here if it weren’t for your help. Thank you!

What a darling baby!!! I am so glad she’s doing well and that you were able to save her! You did so great, and now next time it won’t be quite so stressful with a chick needs help!

I usually put grower feed in one feeder and keep my layer feed in the hens feeder - it is kind of impossible to keep them from eating each others food once they are integrated. You could put grower or all flock in your hens feeder if you are worried about it - just be sure to offer calcium to them if you do that!