Have one 1 yr. old hen want more, chicks or older?

[chicktx]

I have a one year old hen and I want to add 5 or 6 more.
Should I start with chicks or get pullets that are already laying?

I'm in Austin, TX.

If they are older, is the separation necessary, for how long?
It's been awhile since I have kept chickens...so I am trying to learn again.

Thanks

 

[cmom]

If you start with laying pullets, I would keep them separated for at least a month. If you can, make it so they can see each other to get used to each other. When I finally put mine together, I did it while they were free ranging. I had plenty of treats so they would concentrate on the treats more than each other. There will still be some pecking as they establish their pecking order. If you start with chicks, I would follow the same recipe except wait longer before you introduce them.

I have never introduced one hen to 4 or 5 pullets or chicks. I have several hens and several pullets. There are pictures on my BYC Page.