Adding new breeds

[MichelleLF]

Hi, I'm a relative newbie to raising backyard chickens as I've only had two at a time. I currently only have one Red Star (and have only ever had red stars) and she needs a buddy or two. My options are to get a pair of Red Stars or Silkie or Speckled Sussex. What would you all advise would be the best breed to add to my sweet hen. And is it best to get a pair or add one at a time? Thank you!

 

[Bridebeliever]

I'm a newbie too so excuse me if my thought on this isn't accurate. I wouldn't add two more to your one. She might get picked on! You don't say how old she is though. Getting some that are younger than her might work out by twos. I have 9 that are 8 weeks old and when they were 6 weeks old I added a 8 month old to the mix! Newbie move I just plopped her in the middle of the coop in the middle of the day. Well, the pecking order by her commenced immediately. I had to see my babies get "put in their place" one by one. Luckily there were no injuries!
Okay so from the seasoned folks I have learned:
1. Add a new chicken at night when everyone is settled down to roost.
2. Quarantine to make sure you aren't going to make your existing flock sick. I think I've heard keeping the new one separate for 2 weeks is recommended...yeah, I didn't do that either...beginners luck I got no sickness!
I hope you get more replies from people that know more than me!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi,

There are many many threads on this topic. Type "adding new additions to a flock" and you will be able to trawl through them and see what suits you.

On the subject matter of breed i guess it depends what you want your hens for - pets or eggs? Again, search for the different breeds you have identified to get a feel for their general characteristics.

Good luck

CT

 

[MichelleLF]

Thank you for the advice! Im glad everything worked out for your flock. I believe my hen is close to 4 years old. I've had her for almost 3 years. I have had experience integrating not too long ago (and lost my baby to a predator). We now have a new more secure coop. I like the idea of 2 pullets rather than a laying hen. Thank you!

 

[MichelleLF]

Thank you CT! My Red Star is great because she's an excellent layer and pet. From what I read all of my breed options are, I'm most concerned (if I need to be) on what breed will integrate best with her breed? And are easy to raise since I'm fairly new.

 

[Bridebeliever]

My Australorp is probably the friendliest most docile, gentle bird! I have heard that this is characteristic of this breed, plus the bonus they are great layers!

 

[Pork Pie]

Thank you CT! My Red Star is great because she's an excellent layer and pet. From what I read all of my breed options are, I'm most concerned (if I need to be) on what breed will integrate best with her breed? And are easy to raise since I'm fairly new.

You are welcome1 I'd suggest getting a breed that will be roughly the same adult size in order to minimise bullying - just my opinion as I'm sure that there are many members that have a whole range of types of chickens that get along just fine!

CT