Adding to a flock of 2 in the suburbs... how many pullets?

[courtney19]

Hi. I had 3, one year old buff orpingtons, but one died last month, so I am down to 2.

I have decided that I should add to the flock, just in case something happens to another, so I don't have one lone hen.

My concern is, I live in a suburb of detroit, so don't want a huge flock. But am worried that if I bring in only one pullet, that she will be lonely and bullied. Would it be a lot better to introduce 2 to my existing pair? And would I then have too large a flock for my little yard?
(They stay in about a 200sf kennel and a 60 sf shed during the day, and roam the yard when I'm home after work and on the weekends.)

Also, the lady I bought from last year is selling some 9 week old Golden Comets. Would this hybrid breed get along ok with my buffs? And will they be ok in the cold michigan winters?

 

[orcasislandchickens]

I would think golden comets would get along fine with your buffs and be a good choice. Yes I would add two, that seems like just the right number. Remeber you will need to isolate the new ones until you know they are not carrying any pests or disease. And you will have to introduce them slowly after that. Good luck. Sorry you lost one.

 

[lux_interior]

Sorry for your loss!

Yes, two would be fine.... If you're allowed to have them where you live, the number shouldnt matter too much... I live by chicago and have like 14! But yes, two would be better than one, and Golden comets are excellent, I have two and they are sweethearts

 

[sherrydeanne]

Love my golden comet, they would fit right in with your buffs

They'll be fine in the winter too. I would get two, they'll all have plenty of room. Enjoy!

 

[courtney19]

Well, I think you guys convinced me... I'm planning to get 2 Golden Comet pullets within the next couple weeks.

I have a raised chick-n-barn and pen attached to my larger coop setup, so I'll keep them in there for a few weeks until I feel comfortable integrating them with Buffy and Peck. Hopefully it all works out ok!

Thank you!