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.
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!
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
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!
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.
