Today I closed off the bottom half of the run from the main flock. I then opened up the hatch so that the new girls could have half the run giving them more space to explore.
They immediately went out into the new space and explored all the way round the run.
The new girls went back to their familiar part of the run but when I checked again they were back down the bottom of the new part. They follow the rest of the flock and when the main flock is down the bottom end of the run these three were too.
Although Gold and Spot like to keep checking each other through the wire they haven’t been pecking through the wire. I think they are ready to start mixing tomorrow.
It’s been a while since I have had young girls at this end of the year so I thought I would check on the internet at what age they can start on layers pellets.
I had it in my head that it was at six months because that is the age that they can start laying. However it said that they should start on layers at five months to get them ready for laying.
This is great news because it means I can mix the girls towards the end of March instead of the end of April. I was glad I checked and it won’t be long now before the the girls can be mixed together.
Click here to see the history of my flock.
They look as though they want to mix. Good news that you can let them soon..
I think they do want to mix. I am going to start today. I am really pleased that it won’t be too much longer now before they can be together.
You’re well on the way – if there was a badge to be had, you’d get if for the ‘seasoned integrator’ award!
Thank you. I used to dread it but these days I am so used to it that I don’t worry.