Buying Options when adding to a flock...

[Jaxdrisc]

I haven't quite seen this question asked so I'm going to throw it out there. I am allowed 6 chickens total. Having lost 1 this winter, and 1 2 wks ago, I plan on purchasing 2 new chicks, as I currently have 4. I have 2 BR's, one of which is head hen, 1 BO (#2 hen), and 1 White Rock who is low man in the pecking order. Her brooder mate is the hen that I abruptly lost 2 wks ago. I have always read to get 2 of a kind and have stuck to that, but I am having a dilemma. The grain store's order of Speckled Sussex was canceled again(think Bird Flu....hatcheries I guess are in overdrive trying to restock).They were different enough from the others that the WR wouldn't be so isolated in coloring. With that order canceled, it leaves me with Black Austrlorps, BR, or BO to choose from. I am trying to keep the flock from too much dark colored so that the WR is not picked on even worse, but, is that something I should really consider?? Has anyone ever gotten 2 different types when purchasing 2 to add to a flock (i.e. 1 Austrolorp, 1 BO)? BO is a definite option, but the last time I purchased 2, 1 was a roo and had to be returned. I understand they are harder to sex than the BR's? Was 3 for 3 with those. I'd hate to have just 1 hen added to the flock due to that again. So, how important is it to stay to 1 breed in doubles, or consider variation when adding to a flock? Input much appreciated!

 

[Monkeybean415]

I think just go with your gut and get whatever breed/breeds you want. I had never heard of getting pairs and have a completely mixed flock and no one has ever really been picked on. I have 15 big layers right now and only three pairs of same breed (well I have four EEs but they are all completely different)

 

[N F C]

Interesting, I've never heard you should get 2 of a kind and have read numerous stories on here about people making up their entire flock with each bird being a different color. You'd want to be careful trying to mix something like Polish with their head feathers of course, but honestly, I don't think it makes a difference if you get 2 the same or 2 of different colors.

That's my opinion anyway. It'll be interesting to see if anyone has a different thought.

P.S. Too bad the SS didn't come through for you, they are such great birds, and beautiful.

 

[Monkeybean415]

My most recent additions to the flock were 2 light brahmas, buff polish, white orp, and two EEs

 

[Jaxdrisc]

I know! It was the 3rd order canceled on the guy! I was looking forward to them! I had read they were solid layers with great personalities. My current 4 are terrific with people. I have neighborhood kids that love to be with them during free range time and the birds are wonderful with the kids, or anyone for that matter. I'm trying to add a breed/breeds that compliment, hence my question, plus keep the diversity of the flock. Several sources said to buy 2 of a kind, the whole "birds of a feather" thing, but I wondered how much that really worked.....

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Perhaps what they were referring to was to introduce at least two birds at a time and it's best if they were from the same brood/flock. If you look about on craigslist you'll find this springs pullets for sale so the birds will be large enough to introduce to your flock now and be of the same flock. Some do introduce chicks to full grown flocks. I've not had any luck with young bird introduction and don't even attempt it anymore. Any introductions are at minimum 12 weeks old and done in groups or minimum two at a time.

 

[Jaxdrisc]

Agreed. I have the new ones age in the brooder up to 6 wks (depends on feathers and time of year), then are moved to a "mini coop" which sits inside of the run of the larger one. They are side by side, but separate, until 10-12 weeks when I open up the mini run fence and begin the integration. This has worked well for me. I have never place new ones directly in and don't ever plan on it! Yikes! I can just imagine the outcome. So, here's another question then. Two of the types I'd like to try are separated by 1 wk in delivery. Anyone ever buy 1, then add 1 to the brooder a week later? Or just wait and hope the first is still there when the second is delivered? Last 2 times I've always had more than 1. Wish I was allowed more birds! Be easier if I could add 4 instead! I need to move to a house with more land!