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Adding to the flock- questions

Discussion in 'Managing Your Flock' started by amgreen1980, Aug 7, 2011.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Aug 7, 2011 #1
    amgreen1980

    amgreen1980 Out Of The Brooder

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    Apr 30, 2011
    Steelville, Missouri
    I currently have 3 chickens, a barred rock roo, a rir hen and a cochin banty. They are about 15 weeks old. I am buying 4 hens about the same age from a friend. I do not plan to quarantine them, one because it would be quite difficult and 2, I know that her birds are healthy and well taken care of. Of course I will check them for mites/lice before I take them home. What is the best way to join the 2 flocks. My chickens live in an 8x8 coop and free range always. We do not have a run, but we could put something up temporarily if needed.

    Do I need to separate them when they sleep for a period of time? Keep the new chicks locked up a few days? I am totally new to chickens in general, especially this aspect! Thanks for your help!
     
  3. Aug 7, 2011 #2
    kidcody

    kidcody Overrun With Chickens

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    Nov 1, 2010
    Autumn Farm English Orpingtons,
    What I do is place the new chickens in a wire dog crate (big) for 3 to 4 days and place them in the coop with the other chickens. After that I let them loose and it has worked for me every time [​IMG]
     
  5. Aug 7, 2011 #3
    Elphaba2140

    Elphaba2140 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Mar 20, 2010
    Northern Illinois
  7. Aug 7, 2011 #4
    Jitters

    Jitters New Egg

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    Jun 22, 2011
    I ar 3 also have some questions about adding to my flock. I've lost 2 in recent months to prediators, the chickens want to free roan. Weve deceided to make a very large and high run around a small group of trees on the property. I've and read it was best to add new ones. I've read and been told to only bring news hens in the middle of the night. Does anyone ptactice this. Does anyone around No Granby CT have 1 or 2 hems for sale about 20 to 21 weeks? My granddaughter is gone on vacation, and this last lost was both our favorite...we are so sad...\\Jitters
     
  9. Aug 7, 2011 #5
    real_redhead

    real_redhead Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Jun 6, 2011
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    Same here I am trying to introduce 1 new girl (since I had to rehome my rooster). During the day I put her in a large dog crate beside the run with my 4 girls (done this for a few days) They threw a fit cackling and all. I took the new girl (Millie) in for the night as the run and dog crate wouldn't be predator proof. Today I left Millie in the run/coop while the girls free ranged. Tonight I put Millie in a cat carrier in the coop with the 4 girls, no fussing. I am afraid to go out in the middle of the night and let Millie out of the carrier incase they go crazy. Do you think it will be ok to let them all out together in the morning or should I seperate them for a few more days.
     

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