ZoeBunny Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 Could 14wk old growers be introduced to hens at pol? Got a lovely empty cube and want to get 5 new girls on the same day but they would from different breeders. Or would it be better to get the younger 2 one day then the 3 slightly older birds the day after? Or am I worrying about nothing lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZoeBunny Posted May 25, 2011 Author Share Posted May 25, 2011 Just realised that I sound clueless Just want to do things right first time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 I wouldn't advise mixing 14wks with POL at all - they'll lack the confidence to stand up for themselves and will almost certainly be bullied (or worse). If you want birds from both suppliers, you'd really need separate accommodation at least until the younger group reach POL. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZoeBunny Posted May 25, 2011 Author Share Posted May 25, 2011 (edited) what is the youngest age you think I could put them together? I really want to take the two younger birds on but do want 3 more hens... would it be best to get the others younger too so they could all go in together? CORRECTION: the 2 growers are 16wks old Edited May 25, 2011 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 I wouldn't put anything less than POL in with POL or laying hens tbh. I'd advise getting all youngsters or all POLs. Actually, I'd go for POLs as you're bound to get impatient for eggs!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 Have a look in the Frequently asked Questions section, there are two articles there about managing intros, both of POLs and younger chicks. Personally I'd wait until they are all at POL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZoeBunny Posted May 25, 2011 Author Share Posted May 25, 2011 Thanks for your replies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bostock422 Posted May 26, 2011 Share Posted May 26, 2011 depends on how big your garden is, its just recently introduced my 15 week old chichkens with my chickens at pol, and they're fine, but they still in a different coop to the chickens at pol, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZoeBunny Posted May 27, 2011 Author Share Posted May 27, 2011 The 2 legbars are 16wks, and a local breeder can give me 3 hybrids at 17wks old... is this close enough in age to introduce them together. Only have the one coop and it's empty (no existing chickens) 1/3 acre garden but obviously can't free range them until they've settled in. Of should I take the Legbars and leave it a few weeks before getting the hybrids... how many weeks should I leave it? Only concern here is that introductions will be even more difficult Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted May 27, 2011 Share Posted May 27, 2011 That should be fine - I'd get them all at the same time and put them in their new home together. Just be ready for normal fisticuffs though ..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZoeBunny Posted May 27, 2011 Author Share Posted May 27, 2011 Just put up a temporary barrier along the entire inside of the run... so should be able to keep them separate for a couple of weeks... have 2 lots of food/water bowls so will put them side by side too so they can get used to each other. Hoping the insulated cat kennel will suffice as a temp bed for the younger 2 birds. Just need to put grit & bedding down & we're all set!! Thanks for all your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted May 27, 2011 Share Posted May 27, 2011 What wonderful preparation! Hopefully they'll be fine and you can take it down in a day or two, but it's best to be prepared for longer. Hope all goes well and don't forget to keep us updated with news and photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZoeBunny Posted May 28, 2011 Author Share Posted May 28, 2011 Thanks Jools! Update here... http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=78083&start=15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
