adding to my existing flock

[jadasmom]

Hi!

I have 4 adult hens right now. I wanted to add about 6 more chickens to the flock, but I don't have the resources to keep a separate coop & run while they're checked for illnesses. I was thinking of getting chicks, which I could keep inside until they're able to live with the others.

My questions about this.

I work, so they'd be alone for a while. November 3rd I start overnights (midnight to either 4am or 8:30am) could the chicks be left during the night for this time? I'd feel terrible if something happened while I was gone.

Where should I get the chicks from? I wanted to get possibly Leghorns or more RIRs, I got the 4 I have now off of craigslist, but the people that sold me the chickens were just looking to get rid of these girls. I could order chicks off the net, how reliable is this? What's the chance I wind up with a rooster? My city doesn't allow roosters, and if I raise them, it'd be tough to get rid of one.

If I get chicks, can someone educate me as to what I'd need to start out?

Thanks!

 

[Apdeb]

Easy to start out with chicks for 6 all you would need is a small area with shavings and an overhead heat lamp??? Where do you want to put them i started out with mine in a rubbermaid type bin with a screen over it and heat lamp clamped near pointed at tub!!! That should work until there about 2 to 3 weeks old!! Too bad you want sexed chicks!!! Chickens from breeder allways the best !!! Where do you live??? You can always post on here and you could try after the 3 weeks to see if one of the big girls wanted to brood them!!! That would make the rest of it easy!

 

[jadasmom]

I live in San Diego, CA. I have to have sexed chicks, the city I live in says NO roosters Or I'd have one

 

[TaraBellaBirds]

Hi!

I have 4 adult hens right now. I wanted to add about 6 more chickens to the flock, but I don't have the resources to keep a separate coop & run while they're checked for illnesses. I was thinking of getting chicks, which I could keep inside until they're able to live with the others.

My questions about this.

I work, so they'd be alone for a while. November 3rd I start overnights (midnight to either 4am or 8:30am) could the chicks be left during the night for this time? I'd feel terrible if something happened while I was gone.

Where should I get the chicks from? I wanted to get possibly Leghorns or more RIRs, I got the 4 I have now off of craigslist, but the people that sold me the chickens were just looking to get rid of these girls. I could order chicks off the net, how reliable is this? What's the chance I wind up with a rooster? My city doesn't allow roosters, and if I raise them, it'd be tough to get rid of one.

If I get chicks, can someone educate me as to what I'd need to start out?

Thanks!

Well firstly it isn't a good idea to add to the flock until they are close to the same size or at the very least no longer making chick sounds, which is about 12 weeks, give or take. Could you keep them in the house for that long? The earliest I would put chicks with an existing flock is 8 weeks and there could definitely be issues.
Is it possible to create a separate pen area in one corner of your coop?
Another option is letting an existing hen go broody and raise some fertile eggs you introduce. This way a hen will protect your babies while they are venerable.
As far as your other questions my existing flock are hatchery birds from Murray McMurray. I have a heavy assorted mix. I like all of my birds especially my Buff Orpington. I personally am not crazy about my hatchery RIRs the roos were vicious and the hens are just not very nice. Just research different breeds, and decide what traits are most important for your personal needs. There are lots of great breeds out there.