Adding "visiting" chickens to your flock

[fmorlando1]

Adding "visiting" chickens to my flock? Hi I'm new to the group and new to keeping chickens. I have 12 five week old female chicks I'm brooding. When they are old enough (and when she gets her coop built) my sister will be taking 3. I have a large coop and am putting in a large run and will also have the ability to free range my hens when the time comes. My sister does more traveling than I do and I've agreed to watch her chickens when she is out of town. We live close by so I could go to her place but would prefer just bring her 3 back to my coop for the times she is away. Will this cause chicken drama? They will all be the same age and breed (Buff Orpingtons) and will have been brooded together. Not sure if that makes a difference.

 

[HappyClucker7]

I would not do this. It's just asking for trouble.
Your sister's chickens will live in a completely different place, and both flocks will have their own pecking orders. If you add new chickens, you'll have to go through a long introduction period, and try to get your hens to accept your sister's hens. By the time you get through with that, it'll be time for them to go back home.
Also, if your, or your sister's chickens were to ever get sick, then they could give their sickness to the other birds too.

 

[NatJ]

If you want to watch your sister's chickens at your house, it would be easier to just have a separate coop for them to stay in. Or a divided coop, so your own chickens can use the extra space most of the time, but you can split it up when your sister's hens come to stay.

I also agree with the points made by HappyClucker7.