4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[binka]

Hi,

 

I've got some 9 week old Marans that I need to evict from the broody ark in 2 weeks time as I have more eggs due to hatch. They're going to have to go in the main pen with the cube. So at 11 weeks will they manage the ladder do you think?

[moochoo]

Are they going in with any older chooks? If so you need to wait until they're about 18 weeks so they're strong enough to defend themselves. If not, it's worth trying them. I had my first girls at 14 weeks and they managed ok. If they do seem to struggle it may be worth putting a board across the ladder to help them for a few more weeks.

[binka]

They will be going in with 4 other chickens, but there are 5 chicks and their mum. So I'm hoping there'll be safety in numbers. I know I've introduced 12/13 week old growers before ok, so fingers crossed these will be fine.

 

I've got to move them 'cos I've got a broody sitting on eggs that'll hatch out in 3 weeks time and she needs to go in the broody ark! She's confined to a corner of the shed at the moment.

[Egluntyne]

I'm inclined to agree with Moochoo that this might not be a good plan. Their mother might lose interest in them and as she is being reintroduced to the other hens too, it could be fraught.

 

In answer to your question about the ladder.....I think they will struggle. Can you make a ramp, with struts of wood going across to help them up.

[binka]

Mmmmm ok change of plan.

 

I'll get one of those Brinsea Chick Enclosures and make a pen in the corner of the shed, they should be ok in that after hatching for a couple of weeks so that gives the growers at least another 5 weeks. They'll be 14 weeks old then. They do seem big already, they're nearly the same size as their mum (silkie x) and seem independent of her.