Advice on adding to our flock please

[Farmgirl283420]

We have seven full grown hens, all docile friendly breeds. We have two sets of chicks three weeks apart-the older ones are 9 week old Cochins and are out most of the day by now the younger set are 6week old silkies, so you recommend integrating the two sets of chicks and then introducing all the new ones to the existing flock at the same time or breaking it up and adding the older ones then later the silkies? I’m hoping the silkies will do fine w all the others but if need be I have a set up where they can have their own coop and run. Thanks

 

[Brooks_]

Very good question. I would integrate the younger ones first then all.

 

[Sunshine Coop]

We have seven full grown hens, all docile friendly breeds. We have two sets of chicks three weeks apart-the older ones are 9 week old Cochins and are out most of the day by now the younger set are 6week old silkies, so you recommend integrating the two sets of chicks and then introducing all the new ones to the existing flock at the same time or breaking it up and adding the older ones then later the silkies? I’m hoping the silkies will do fine w all the others but if need be I have a set up where they can have their own coop and run. Thanks

Personally I would integrate them all together. When I introduced my silkies they got bullied pretty badly due to being submissive and small bantams. The more you add the less the older chickens will single certain ones out. Power in numbers. I might wait until the silkies are a bit older so they aren't too teeny tiny.

 

[Farmgirl283420]

Thanks sounds like a good plan!

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

I was thinking today that if i do get chicks to add to my existing flock of 5 hens, I will be sure to get enough chicks to outnumber the adults. But, i need a bigger coop/run..... the struggle is real.

 

[Brooks_]

They don't have to outnumber to have good results. Three would be a doable amount. Still might need bigger coop/run so yeah, get 20 chicks.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

They don't have to outnumber to have good results. Three would be a doable amount. Still might need bigger coop/run so yeah, get 20 chicks.

Thats funny!

 

[awagnon]

They don't have to outnumber to have good results. Three would be a doable amount. Still might need bigger coop/run so yeah, get 20 chicks.

Yeah, yeah, I like that advice. Nice round number. LOL