Getting some laying hens.

[MurphysBYC]

I have 3 pullets right now that are almost 4 months. I also have 13 chicks that range from 3 weeks to 6 weeks. That being said, someone I know is getting rid up six 1.5-2 year old laying hens. I have everything set up for nesting but what should I know about adding these birds with the rest of the young flock? Will they have shell shock from the change where they wont lay for a little while?

Thanks for the help!

Tom

 

[donrae]

Do you have space for 22 birds? That's the most important thing.

Those older hens are not going to lay this winter. They may stop due to the change, and not start up again until next spring. Or, they may stop briefly due to the change, start laying for a few months, then quit for the winter. Do you want to feed non-productive birds over the winter? Sounds like the current owner doesn't want to, that's why they're getting rid of them now.

Hens that age aren't good to mix with your littles, in my experience. I'd keep the littles separate until they're roughly the same size as the mature hens, definitely until they stop cheeping. Of course, you should also quarantine the mature hens from all your current birds to avoid introducing disease.

 

[redsoxs]

I agree with donrae...there are some considerations when introducing new birds. Here's a link that discusses that.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-adding-to-your-flock

And yes, you can often expect changes in flock dynamics to alter laying. Good luck to you!

 

[MurphysBYC]

Thanks for the info! I have decided not to get hens. There is to many issues that can happen and it is not fair to my little ones. Thanks both for your reply!