Adding new pullets to flock

[nova022]

HI, I hope this is the right section to post my question. I have five 6 week old pullets (I hope they are all pullets) and would like to increase the size of my flock. When I got the first ones I went with a small number because I did not know how it would work out, but I really love my girls and want a few more. My question is should I get them now so that there would only be six or seven weeks difference in age or does that matter? I thought of waiting until spring when there will be a better selection of breeds, but I want them to get along as well as they can and will do which ever is best. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[donrae]

I'd get them now, you'll be able to introduce them together quicker. I've found younger birds are much more tolerant of younger-than-them birds, if that makes sense lol. Plus, this way you'll have eggs in the spring!

 

[valschicksrus]

Nova, I hope you get answers to this because I have 2 younger wyandottes ( 6 wks) that I want to add with the older group ( they are 15wks. old) and I need to know how to go about doing this. How long do I wait till I can add them to the group. Right now there is a big size difference so I know its not safe.

So, lets hope we get answers here! Val

 

[Darkwings]

I'm sure there are lots of different opinions on this. This is what I have done and has worked for me in the past. I usually wait to introduce my pullets until they are 8 or 10 weeks old. I normally either put the new additions in an adjoining pen or in a dog crate where they can scope each other out. I usually leave them like this for a couple of days. After a few days or whenever your larger hens seem to have lost interest, I turn them all together at dusk. This way they all roost and wake up together. If there are more youngsters, then there normally isn't much of a problem with picking on one another, they'll stick together. Also, make sure your coop is big enough that everyone can have their own space. As far as size difference, I introduced my 10 week old pullets to my year old hens without any issues. Hope this helps!

 

[nova022]

Thanks, Darkwings for your reply. It sounds like a good way to get them used to each other.

donrae-Thanks for the reply. I am leaning toward getting them now.

valschicksrus- sounds like we got some good advice.