....and then there were two

[vegbear]

Hi all...
We started with 8 pullets in Oct and now just have 2 hens that lay. We live on over an acre have a safe secure coop for them but they do free range during the day. It makes us all so happy to see them running around our area...until they get killed
So we are in the process of deciding to add more hens to the bunch and crossing our fingers but worried about the process of introducing new pullets to our hens. Just keeping the two and if they go....getting a new flock that will be raised strictly in a fence (not free ranged) we hace already spent a pretty penny on this current coop and they love it so we need to keep costs down.
Looking more for "what would you do in our situation" answers.
Thanks so much!!

 

[Pork Pie]

If can look into predator deterrents that would still let you free range but reduce the risk of loss then i think that should be your priority. If you can try and get something sorted on that front, then - theres no reason not to get new chickens and add them IMO.

You may not be interested now, but heres some links about integration, should you wish to consider that option.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1015820/reintegration-by-supervised-visits#post_15742910

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-a-single-hen-to-an-existing-flock

Good luck
CT