4x 8 week old chicks Roo or Hen?

[Seaecho]

I would exchange them ASAP if it were me. No sense in waiting unless there's a reason.

 

[Olandpoohandchickens]

I would exchange them ASAP if it were me. No sense in waiting unless there's a reason.

The breeder is checking to see if he has any 2 month olds. I don’t think I would want to bring in mature hens at the moment or could I?

 

[Seaecho]

You could--introduce them gradually from different sides of a fence. It would probably be easier with two month olds though, if he has any available. Otherwise, you'd need to have a coop, enclosed dog crate (not wire) and a separate run for the hens so they could get to know each other through the fence for a few weeks. I think that generally people introduce chicks with mature chickens when the chicks are nearly as large as the hens, and that is usually around 12 weeks of age.

 

[HenniesInMyHeart]

ASAP, as others have said! Similar ages is always best. Either way some integration time (see but no touch) will likely be necessary, but the younger they all are, the easier it goes (in general).

 

[cmom]

I agree, the sooner the better. No matter, they will still have to establish their pecking order but with younger birds they usually integrate better. The males do sound funny when they first start to crow. Practice makes perfect. Good luck and have fun...