jellykelly Posted July 17, 2010 Share Posted July 17, 2010 Can i free range the 4/5 week old chicks with the oldies? They have had seperate free range time - but could I let them try altogether. Will there be bloodshed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted July 17, 2010 Share Posted July 17, 2010 If they have a broody with them then they may be ok, its worth a try last thing befrore it gets dark just in case it doesnt work If they dont have a broody with them then yes there would be problems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jellykelly Posted July 17, 2010 Author Share Posted July 17, 2010 My chicks and broody go up to bed at around 6pm though. (what a fab mum - I wish I could get my kids to go up at a decent hour!) I'l have a little try at around 5.30 and see how it goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted July 17, 2010 Share Posted July 17, 2010 yes its worth a try, hopefully the broody will warn any other hen not to come too close Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted July 17, 2010 Share Posted July 17, 2010 I agree with Tasha, but keep a close eye on things so you can intervene in case of trouble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted July 18, 2010 Share Posted July 18, 2010 I FR'd my chicks with the broody from a few weeks old, had to be careful and keep the ducks in for the first couple of times but there were no real problems The brooder chicks came out at the same time, but tended to stay the other end of the garden + avoid the others Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jellykelly Posted July 19, 2010 Author Share Posted July 19, 2010 I had no choice but to freerange them all yesterday. I was making a little pen within the walk in run for the broody and the chicks. The freeranging went well with only one minor scuffle. My dutch bantam has 'little man syndrome' and fancied taking on a chick. Mum whooped her butt though! Since moving the chicks and mum into the WIR, the chicks have become naughty. They're not doing as mum tells them. I even had to catch one mid air as it was attempting an escape. The pen is simply some builders fencing which makes an enclosure in one corner of the run. It's about 4 ft high so I didn't thinkthat escape would be on the agenda. One clever chick decided to try out his wings and made it onto the top of the fencing. I caught him as he was just about to leap in with the big girls. . I'm going to have to have words with mum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
