new to hen keeping

chelle · « **on:** January 28, 2007, 11:59 »

hi everyone,
about 4 weeks ago got ourselves 4 hens dont know what breed, rusty reddie colour, perfect egg producers, had about 30 eggs in the first 3 weeks now theyre on 4 a day, 2 days ago we were given 2 pullets one mostly black the other black with silver, not a clue how old they are, is there a way to tell? they stand about 8-10 inches high, having to keep them seperated from the older hens as they keep attacking them, although they are ok at night sleep in same hull, i know youre not supposed to put pullets in with other flock til 18weeks old, but like i say i dont know how old they are, all suggestions and help appreciated

chelle :?

muntjac · « **Reply #1 on:** January 28, 2007, 15:10 »

keep em sperated but allow em to see each other and they will settle down pullets are 16 weeks after that they are pol .point of lay ( ish ) dont know hwo told ya about 18 weeks sepereation thing but its new to me .. welcome to the site chelle n enjoy ur birds

chelle · « **Reply #2 on:** January 28, 2007, 15:20 »

thanks muntjac, keeping them seperate during the day, together through the night no problems, do pullets need to roost, these 2 are not they just go to brooder box and huddle up

muntjac · « **Reply #3 on:** January 28, 2007, 15:25 »

they willl when they want to .seems like lots folks have birds being awkward when it comes to roosting .provided they have enough space they usually sort them selves out

chelle · « **Reply #4 on:** January 28, 2007, 15:26 »

cheers muntjac

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #5 on:** January 28, 2007, 18:08 »

As muntjac says, let them "see" each other during the day so that they can get used to each other.

Welcome to the site

chelle · « **Reply #6 on:** January 28, 2007, 18:11 »

thanks aunt sally

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