Adding new docile breeds to a flock?

[minou33]

How difficult is it to introduce new chickens to a flock? And is it easier to do when chicks are still young instead of full-grown? Mine are 6 weeks and either this year or next, I'd like to add a couple more. Is there any difference if I were to add them now versus waiting till next year? I'd also like to add salmon favorelles which are supposed to be a very docile breed to my flock of 5 New Hampshire Red, Brown Leghorn, and Black Copper Marans. Is this a bad idea to add a docile bird in with these breeds?

 

[SamuelMcF]

It is possible that they could be picked on, but it will be better if you do it sooner than later. The older they get the more flockish they become and don't integrate as well. Even if they tolerate each other they won't really become one flock. If they mix at a young age this is not as much of an issue and they will mix together well. Obviously, in the beginning, they will have their pecking order and rough each other up a little bit but just keep an eye on them to make sure nothing gets out of hand and that everyone is eating and drinking enough and not getting picked on.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Not that hard to add new chickens as long as you plan and set up for it. IMO definitely easier to do it when they're younger, as the size difference works to their advantage if you set up proper hiding spots/escape routes.

As far as when to add them, one thing to consider is if you want to keep up egg production, layers are most productive in the first 2 years, then start to drop off. So especially if you aren't wanting to cull spent layers, spreading out ages in a flock is the best way to keep production at a more consistent level.

I'm hoping to add a Faverolle soon, so don't have an answer yet, but might have one in a few weeks/months.