Old Hazel Posted April 10, 2011 Share Posted April 10, 2011 Hi I've been looking for some australorps and have found some but they are chicks. We already have four hens - 2 marans and 2 araucanas. Would I have to keep the chicks separate from the other girls until they were big? I'm worried about taking chicks from the breeder because I definitely only want girls. At what age would the chicks have to be before you can be sure whether they are boys or girls? Any help appreciated! Thanks very much Hazel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted April 10, 2011 Share Posted April 10, 2011 I'm not sure about Australorps but most breeds can be sexed by around 6 weeks If they are still under heat at the breeders then you'd need a heat lamp etc.. to keep them warm If they are off heat then they should be around 6 weeks old so hopefully could be accurately sexed They cant live outside till they are off heat. They will need a separate coop and run and stay separate from the others till around 18 weeks then introductiond should be gradual Bear in mind they will need different feed too till they are 18 weeks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Hi Hazel, I know you can't tell in advance how your existing hens are with youngsters but please be mindful of your araucanas. My lavender araucana is simply beastly to my little sablepoots. I have to keep them separate at all times. When I mentioned this to a breeder I know she said that sadly it isn't uncommon amongst their breed. They just don't seem to like young, small incomers. It's very sad because apparently they make super mothers I know this may not happen to you & hopefully it won't but thought I should pass it on. Hope you don't mind. Alli xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Hazel Posted April 11, 2011 Author Share Posted April 11, 2011 Hi I wish we had got more hens from the start. I am so worried about the introduction thing! Anyway, I found out the breeder sells the chicks when they are just one-day old and I really don't want to raise little chicks. Thanks for the info about the araucanas. We have two marans and two araucanas and they are so different. It sounds like I should be very careful even when introducing grown-up hens! Hazel x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
