Adding older hens to a flock?

[Mrs. K]

If you can get some chicks about the same age, that would be perfect. If the chicks are clear eyes, active and fairly clean, I would not worry about bio security. Do not buy anything you feel sorry for.

 

[Mrs. K]

Yes, your plans would probably work for 4 chickens. Not 8.

 

[Acamp68]

I’m starting to wonder if just getting rid of all 4 and starting over would be easier. We live in an area where it would be easy to find them a new home so that might be less stress on all of us.

 

[Mrs. K]

I agree. Last fall, I had a coon attack, posted I wanted some laying hens and two days later I had them for $5.00 a piece. Laying in few weeks. Someone had gotten too many chicks for his set up.

 

[Acamp68]

I guess I just feel bad I know some people think they’re “just chickens” but I definitely have a soft spot for animals and I wish this set up would have worked out perfectly for us but I think to save them stress and trouble it would be better for all of them to go at once vs leaving the girl alone for a period of time or keeping that many roosters together for such a long time

 

[Mrs. K]

Thing is, if you keep her, lots of stress for you and her, let her go with a "brother" and much better deal. Put 3-4 point of lay birds in there and enjoy this new hobby. Put out some feelers locally, might find some one willing to do a switch.

I know they are more than just chickens, but sometimes because they ARE chickens you have to be realistic, wishing does no good with chickens.

 

[aldarita]

Not sure where you are located but I have a lot of month old chicks available...

Not sure where you are located but I have a lot of month old chicks available...

If you are planning to buy one day old chicks from a hatchery, you need to order them very soon because cold weather is around the corner and some hatcheries will not mail order chicks unless you buy at least 25 chicks.

 

[andreanar]

I agree the easiest route would be to let them all go and start over. Its hard to let them go when they are pets. But it will be a lot less stressful to you. I don't keep any cockerels, so I give them away if someone wants them, and have even eaten a few. My Tractor Supply has chicks right now.