[sally c]

hi all, i am very glad that i decided to get more pol hens and not just bump the others off. The very old one has now started laying again :!:  :!: I hope the others follow her example.
Also my new chicks are now 6 weeks old do they need growers pellets now :?: When will i be able to tell the sex of them or do i wait until they start crowing. Mum is starting to get fed up with them , when can she go back to the other grown up hens :?:  sorry for all the questions but i just dont know the answers being a first time breeder  

[hotterotter]

They have no more need for their mum and will eat whatever they're given once they're used to it. Growers pellets are probably the optimum in terms of nutrition but are costly, whole grains, free range and greens is cheaper and more natural. As for sexing them it's anybody's guess, separate out suspected cockerels if they crow and fight then you've got it right, if they lay eggs you got it wrong.

Hopefully someone else will give you more useful advice  

[chicksforkicks]

dont give them layers pellets until about 18-20 weeks, or when they start laying. it depends what kind of chickens you have when you will be able to sex them, and know for sure. They generally start crowing at 9-10 weeks. and the MOM (not mum) can go back now. hope this helps!