First time chickens

[onceuponaroost]

Hi, I am a first time chicken owner. (And I love it!!). Our ladies are only 5 weeks old, and we are thinking of adding one more. The feed store has some the same age that were never bought, so I don't know whether it's best to add one to their brooding box while they are still inside with us or wait until they are adjusted to their coop/run and add a hen at that time? They are all very sweet and love to be handled and held (even by the kids). Any advice would be great!

:cd

 

[sourland]

It is always best to quarantine prior to adding birds to a flock. Integration of new birds causes a certain degree of fighting as they reset the pecking order. Do an onset site search on 'flock integration'.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC!

Glad you're enjoying your girls! Make sure you quarantine the new bird. The best way to add a new bird is to use the "see but don't touch method." Here's an article on how to do so. https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-see-but-don-t-touch-method

Good luck and welcome to the community.

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC. Glad you decided to join our flock. X2 on the advice that sourland gave you and the link that Mountain Peeps left with you. New birds have to be introduced into an already existing flock slowly and carefully. Another good link on how to integrate your new bird into the flock is at https://poultrykeeper.com/general-chickens/introducing-new-chickens/. If you haven't done so already, definitely check out our Learning Center at https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center. There is loads of useful information there. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Good luck in introducing your new bird into the flock when you get it.

 

[City farm]

Hi, I am a first time chicken owner. (And I love it!!). Our ladies are only 5 weeks old, and we are thinking of adding one more. The feed store has some the same age that were never bought, so I don't know whether it's best to add one to their brooding box while they are still inside with us or wait until they are adjusted to their coop/run and add a hen at that time? They are all very sweet and love to be handled and held (even by the kids). Any advice would be great!

:cd

Also, check out the runners up for the calendar
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1015019/byc-2016-other-poultry-types-calendar-pics-needed

 

[onceuponaroost]

Thank you, we'll hold off on adding for now, they are all so content and sweet I would hate to rock the boat! Appreciate the info!

 

[Michael OShay]

Thank you, we'll hold off on adding for now, they are all so content and sweet I would hate to rock the boat! Appreciate the info!

You're welcome.