Can I add hens to my chicks?

[nekocafe]

Hello! I have 7-8 week old chicks and I am wondering if it’s possible to add 2 egg laying hens to the flock. If so, what’s best way to do that? I just really want to start getting some eggs.

 

[Pampered chicken girl]

I would say yes but not a aggressive breed like rir and possibly if you can a bantam if not just a nice calm hen is fine just keep a eye on them to be sure the babies aren't getting picked on

 

[GoldpartridgeHen]

Any breed can pick on them - but at 7 or 8 weeks your chicks should be big enough not to be injured by your layers pecking/bullying.
Does depend on the run size. How big?

 

[3KillerBs]

If you have plenty of space you can probably do this successfully through the normal integration process.

Here are some useful articles on integration:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-coop-brooder-and-integration.74591/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-“see-but-don’t-touch”-method.67839/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/adding-to-your-flock.47756/

 

[nekocafe]

I would say yes but not a aggressive breed like rir and possibly if you can a bantam if not just a nice calm hen is fine just keep a eye on them to be sure the babies aren't getting picked on

Thanks! Any breed recommendations?

 

[nekocafe]

Any breed can pick on them - but at 7 or 8 weeks your chicks should be big enough not to be injured by your layers pecking/bullying.
Does depend on the run size. How big?

Any more docile breed recommendations? The run is 6x12 feet.

 

[nekocafe]

If you have plenty of space you can probably do this successfully through the normal integration process.

Here are some useful articles on integration:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-coop-brooder-and-integration.74591/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-“see-but-don’t-touch”-method.67839/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/adding-to-your-flock.47756/

Thank you!

 

[aart]

The run is 6x12 feet.

How big is the coop?
How many chicks do you already have?