Getting more chicks

[polenslager]

We have Barred Plymouth Rock Hens and are wanting to add a few more chickens to our
flock.

Do we need to get the same kind in order for them to get along?
And if we get new chicks, they cannot go in with the hens can they? Or free range like our hens do.


We started with 7 Hens about a year and a half ago. Lost one to our dog when they were about 6 months old.
Lost three more over the last year due to a hawk we think.

We live in the country, in a wooded area so there are dangers of course so Im concerned about new babies.

Suggestions?
And this time of year where is a good place to get a few more chicks?

 

[popcornpuppy]

You do not have to get the same breed for the chickens to get along. It is a good idea to get a breed that has a similar temperment and size though. This way the playing field will be equal.

Young chickens should be almost the same size as the hens before introducing them, so that the older birds don't pick on, hurt or posibly even kill the babies. By 17 weeks the babies should be big enough to take care of themselves. I have seen posts on this site about earlier introductions, so you may be able to get more advice from those other posts regarding the best way to introduce new birds into an existing flock.

As far as free ranging, I have heard it is best to wait until they have fully feathered (about 5 weeks old) before letting them out. This time of year with the weather being warmer, the temp may not be an issue for them to free range, but their size may be a problem. They are small and fast and can get into many tight places (and trouble) if they feel the need to hide.

Where to get chicks? I have placed a couple of orders from Ideal Poultry over the last month and they always have what I am looking for without having to wait months before they can be shipped out. Some of the more exotic breeds of chickens are harder to come by. The hatcheries don't always have them or you may have to wait a month or more for them to become available. Some of the online hatcheries have a minimum order of 25 chicks. Ideal does not have a minimum number of chicks, they have a minimum dollar amount that the entire order has to total. It is either $20, or $25...I don't remember. Mypetchicken.com will let you order as few as 3 chicks if you live with in a certain radius of large cities. Otherwise, they recommend that you get up to 8 chicks to keep them warm durring shipping.
You could also try your local feed and grain stores. Sometimes they place chick orders for customers and have leftovers from the order. There is also a place on this site for people selling chicks, hens, roosters, and eggs. You may be able to find someone close to where you are that has something available. Best of luck in whatever route you decide on.