large hens go with the small types

Powell44 · **Joined:** Thu Jun 02, 2011 2:13 pm **Posts:** 3

How do the large hens go with the small types of hens such as belgain {hope I spelt that right} the produce store has them together and claims they are ok but I did notice a bit of pecking going on from the big hens so before I go out and buy both I need to know if it is ok please

Sebducks · **Joined:** Wed Mar 11, 2009 3:41 pm **Posts:** 812

I have small bantam hens in with my larger girls, there is the odd dust up between them at times. I think it all depends on what size your pen and how many you intend to get.

Powell44 · **Joined:** Thu Jun 02, 2011 2:13 pm **Posts:** 3

I was thinking 4 small hens with 6 large hens the coop is 3 by 4 meters long and has a grass area

Sebducks · **Joined:** Wed Mar 11, 2009 3:41 pm **Posts:** 812

You won't have grass for too long unless you take alot of care of it, the size sounds ok, just remember to offer many perching spaces to avoid fighting over space and plenty of nest boxes. Are these young chooks you are purchasing, the younger the better for getting them used to eachother, much harder to introduce older layers to others especially ISA's.

Powell44 · **Joined:** Thu Jun 02, 2011 2:13 pm **Posts:** 3

The ones I am looking at are about 6 months old would that be ok?

Sebducks · **Joined:** Wed Mar 11, 2009 3:41 pm **Posts:** 812

You said they are being housed together at the moment at your feed store is that right? I can't imagine they are in as big an area as you are about to offer them. Six months is not old at least you'll definately know your getting hens. Have your pen set up before hand, ask the store you are buying them from what they are feeding them, it doesn't mean you have to continue feeding them this type of food but it would be good to have it on offer when they first come home then gradually change it to what you want them to eat, a good course layer mash is a balanced diet. If they have come out of the same cage at the produce then you won't have to separate them when you get them home and I would put them all in together straight away. I would also be worming them when you get them home and settled.

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