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kshimpi

kshimpi

Chirping
7 Years
Jul 13, 2012
17
0
80
We used this forum 3 years ago when we first started raising back yard chickens. We started with 2 australorps, a buff orpington and an americana, The americana died after 2 yrs (egg bound) and we recently lost the buff orpington and an australorp to coyotes. So now we have just one chicken and are trying to decide what to do.
Do we try to rehome the australorp into another flock? She is still a good layer. Or do we get some started pullets to add to our flock...or bird. If we add started pullets, which breeds would be best?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Kristan
 
Started pullets and at least two of them. I find when you introduce a mass of birds there's less bullying.
Pick the breeds you like.
 
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Hi, the breed you choose is personal. If you like you're australorp, I would try to get hold of another australorp.
But another breed of about the same weight/size will do fine too.

If you want to make it easy for you're chicken , best add one chicken now and if they get along well put 2 more chickens to the flock after a month or 2.

That way you minimize the chances for ongoing intolerant behaviour.
 
Welcome back! I'll ditto @Peep_Show to add a couple or so, not just one. I'd steer clear of the more aggressive breeds, but your choices are endless. Australorps and Orpingtons are favorites of mine, but so many to choose from. sorry for your losses and good luck!
 
welcome-byc.gif


I'm sorry for your losses. Your single Australorp must be lonely, chickens prefer the company of others so good for you on looking for more.

I would also add 2 more started birds and follow the recommendations to isolate them for about 30 days to be sure they are healthy and not bringing in illness or pests. Then give all 3 birds a chance to see but not touch each other so they'll have time to get acquainted. That should help make it easier to integrate them into one flock.

Lots of nice breeds to choose from so have fun with that!
 
I can protect them from the coyotes. The chickens would go in the coop at night but I never locked it b/c they free ranged in our back yard with a 6ft privacy fence for 3 years with no predators. I have an alarm set on my phone now to remind me at dusk to go and lock up the coop.
 
What a shame you lost them. Coyotes will be back, once predators get an easy meal they keep coming back until there is nothing left.
 

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