Yesterday I decided to switch the girls to opposite sides of the run. I separate the three sections then bribe the main flock into the bottom half of the chicks section with some sunflower seeds having closed the hatch. Then I opened the gate and herded the chicks to the other side then close the gate and open the hatch.
I put another water bottle on the chicks side plus their water dish and chick crumb dish. I left a water dish plus the water bottle on the other side and added the girls usual pellet dish.
The main flock were happy to have a different dust bath area and the metal table and wooden shelter to sit on plus the other perches. The chicks hung around the food and water dish at first but as the afternoon wore on they explored the bottom of the run. They perched on the log and the bottom rung of the ladder.
The girls looking at each other from the opposite sides of the run
The chicks are on the other side of the gate
The chicks venture on to the patio area
The chicks find the log
At the end of the day I used the same system to switch them back again and both lots seemed happy to be back on their own side once more. The main flock take no notice of the chicks and visa versa. I am hoping that this integration should be easy as both sides are used to each other and their has been no interest through the wire at all.
I think we will soon be ready for the next stage but I want the chicks to be familiar with the entire run before mixing them. So far it’s been going really smoothly.
Click here to see the history of my flock.
Looks good that there are no spats at the wire from either side.
It is good. Apart from the very first day when Cinnamon looked like she wanted to get in with them there has been nothing at all.They have had some time on the other side again today and I think They are ready to start mixing. I might start tomorrow.
I love how they stick so tightly together.
Me too. They are never apart, it is endearing.