Do i really want to add to my chickens??

So, i rescued grown 4 laying hens almost 3 yrs ago, they were abandoned, i knew absolutely nothing about chicken keeping but i learned. I have no idea how old they were but they appeared vigorous and healthy.

They are free range but in a secure coop and run overnight and part of the morning, they're let out to forage/free range for 5-6 hours and everything has been great...up til yesterday when i opened the coop door in the morning to find my Susie (red sex link i think) laying dead. She was fine when she went to roost and i found no injuries that i could see on her.

Anyway, now i sadly have 3 hens (this was my first loss) and i am debating whether i am indeed up to getting chicks and introducing them. I would get probably 3 at the most? i don't want a huge flock at all.

The thing is, i have CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and Fibromyalgia and i manage my tiny flock just fine but i know there's a big protocol to getting chicks, raising them, then introducing them to the existing flock, hoping they won't get pecked to death, lots of things can go wrong. It's mid March already....

i'm wondering if i should just leave well enough alone?

EDIT: also my friend has 2 hens that are under a yr, idk anything about them but they are under a yr and idk if they're laying or the health of them but they come w/their own run and coop (small) so... ????

RIP my Susie

Sorry to hear of Susie's departure. The reality about sex links, (I have one identical to your Susie) Is their lifespan is not that long compared to other breeds (heritage, Etc.) They are egg machines and after about 4 to 5 years they burn out. Some even shorter. Susie may have reached the end of her rainbow. . I suggest that you get a few grown pullets and it is not all that hard to introduce them to your existing flock. I do it whenever I need to.. There will be some initial pecking, and chasing, but that is the norm. Once pecking order is established, then everyone knows their place. Try to find some adult hens on Craig's List. I have found some that were being given away FREE. I also know there are peeps that are aching to criticize me for my suggestions. They have concerns about bio security, and infecting their flocks with mysterious diseases. These are valid points, but their situations may be different with large number of chickens potentially being affected. I have been keeping chickens for about 20 years. Pets only, since I do not eat them. (eggs yes). I have added chickens to my flock over these years without incident. I get them from Swap meets, as well as other peeps, and even from the Butcher. (I take them live).
WISHING YOU BEST... Big hugs for taking them in 3 years ago.

My Rosie. She is a rescue. Long story..... She is about 1 year old now. Lays Xlarge brown eggs. almost EVERY DAY.

cavemanrich said:

Sorry to hear of Susie's departure. The reality about sex links, (I have one identical to your Susie) Is their lifespan is not that long compared to other breeds (heritage, Etc.) They are egg machines and after about 4 to 5 years they burn out. Some even shorter. Susie may have reached the end of her rainbow.

. I suggest that you get a few grown pullets and it is not all that hard to introduce them to your existing flock. I do it whenever I need to.. There will be some initial pecking, and chasing, but that is the norm. Once pecking order is established, then everyone knows their place. Try to find some adult hens on Craig's List. I have found some that were being given away FREE. I also know there are peeps that are aching to criticize me for my suggestions. They have concerns about bio security, and infecting their flocks with mysterious diseases. These are valid points, but their situations may be different with large number of chickens potentially being affected. I have been keeping chickens for about 20 years. Pets only, since I do not eat them. (eggs yes). I have added chickens to my flock over these years without incident. I get them from Swap meets, as well as other peeps, and even from the Butcher. (I take them live).
WISHING YOU BEST...

Big hugs for taking them in 3 years ago.

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Oh my gosh, you are describing Susie to a T. Egg laying machine like a champ. At least she had a great life and was happy at least that i saw, until the very end. I always knew this was coming (loss of first chicken) but i'm holding up well, it's still sad....

They're my pets also and i eat the eggs of course, but it took them quite awhile to adjust to me but they now know they're safe and loved.

ALSO the disease point, that's what i was afraid of, too. I did edit and mention there's someone who had to move and couldn't take their 2 hens and said they were under a year, idk about laying at all but they have their own little coop and run that you move around so idk if i should go for it?? The guy knows nothing about chickens and told my friend he doesn't think they're eating but he thinks they're stressed which is understandable i guess. I guess i could TRY.... 2 more are all i would want. Just for me EVERYTHING is a big deal, LOL

TY so much for responding!!

cavemanrich said:

My Rosie. She is a rescue. Long story..... She is about 1 year old now. Lays Xlarge brown eggs. almost EVERY DAY.

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I have what i think is a golden Laced Wyandotte (Lucy) and she regularly lays double eggs. However Susie was the champion layer!

Seeing your signature, I know you will understand.
Take in those 2 chickens and rescue them and they will be grateful to you. God does not punish those doing Good.