Eglu Cube Coop and Accessories

[kaza46]

I have a few questions reagarding the chicks so bare with me.

My chicks are 10/11wks old and the boy is starting to become agressive toward the other girl chick and i'm not sure if it should be removed from the coop? The other question is what age can the chicks be for me to give the broody back to my friend as she was only on loan? I want to put another chick thats a little younger in with them but not sure when i can do it, and if to do it without Mum and without the boy and just leave the 2 girlies to it? Hope this makes sense? I know i have a few questions but i would really hope someone can help. Thanks

[Lewis]

At 10/11 weeks old they're old enough to be taken away from the broody so she can be returned

 

How old is the younger girl? If just a couple weeks younger I'd think she'll be fine to go in with the other 2 chicks, if a bit more than that you man be best to take it slowly and maybe just intro to the the hen.

 

What do you plan to do with the cockerel? He is probably best to stay with the other chick atm so you don't have 2 chicks on their own...

[kaza46]

Thank you very much for your reply. I am giving the cockerel away at some point when its old enough but at the moment its staying put. When should i put the other chick in with them (she is 10wks), would it be ok in the day or should i wait till this evening when all in their beds? I am off to take the Broody home to my friend this avo.

[Lewis]

If the other chick is the same age then yep, pop her in tonight and they should be ok with her.

 

Just keep an eye that they're letting her get to food + water. I put 2 of mine together, bit of an age gap, and just put 2 coop cups of food in for the first few days

[kaza46]

Thanks again. Next question - Should i clean them out to get the smell of the mum out before new one goes in or does it not matter. Thanks for all your help

[Lewis]

Thats fiine

You might be best to give it all a good clean out to stop any diseased, esp Coccidiosis if the broody has been with them.

 

We need some photos when they're all together

[kaza46]

Broody gone back home we will miss her. Cleaned it all out. Other chick in with the 2 others and last checked on all 3 were cuddling up asleep. I just hope tomorrow brings a happy day and no fighting Thanks for all your advice

[kaza46]

Well i can report today is NOT a happy day. The Cockerel won't let other chick out for food. I have put food and water in with her though. How long will this go on for as i am feeling really mean putting her in there?

[Lewis]

You may want to take him out, even if just for an hour, to give her a chance with the other hen and to get some food.

2 feed stations is a good idea so that he can't stop her from getting to them both

 

Its always worse when adding a single bird to 2 or more. They will take a couple days to establish their pecking order but you need to keep an eye that they aren't bullying her.

[kaza46]

I took him out as he had her in a corner and was pecking her. She still hasnt' come out but the other Hen is going in and out to her so she should get use to her soon enough. He is a little evil so not sure if to put him in with the older Hens or not (maybe they may sort him out) what do you think?

[WitchHazel]

Have you got things in there for them to do? It's likely to be boredom at this sort of age. Do they go out? Could you hang up some treats? Perhaps put in some branches or something?

[kaza46]

I wish they could go out but they can't as we have a bad fox problem. We are going to be getting a electric fence as soon as funds can cope . When you say branches do you mean for them to perch on? What sort of treats can i give them at this age? That you so much for your help

[WitchHazel]

Hi, yes, I was thinking of things for them to jump on.

 

You could also perhaps put a dust bath in? Our chicks seem to like dustbathing from a couple of weeks old. When they were very small we used a kitten litter tray; then a tub trug; then they just used to make dust baths for themselves under shrubs.

 

For treats, you could suspend lettuce (not too much in one go, if they aren't used to it), from string. Or some white cabbage. It may take them a while to decide they like it.

 

We put a Go outside and used to put the chicks in it, starting with just 15 mins a day, so they could experience grass etc. We increased this until they were outside all day, just coming in to the shed and brooder at night.

 

If you don't have any sort of run for them, could you let them outside and supervise them for a short period of time?

 

H

[kaza46]

They do have a run but i hate seeing them "behind bars" so i want to get the fence so they can have more freedom. I like the idea of a branch though so i will get on that. I gave them cooked sweet corn on the cob hanging down so they could bash at it and peck away. Since i took the Cockeral out its all settled down but i will re introduce him again. When should i do this do you think?