As I wanted to eventually end up with 5 adult hens, I started with 7 peeps that are now doing very well at 7 weeks old. I have 3 EE's, 2 BO's and 2 Barred Rocks. I am pretty confident that I have all hens at this point. I could still get a surprise, but so-far-so-good. The issue is that I have an experienced chicken home that will take my two over-flow chicks, but she wants them between 8-10 weeks of age. So I need to make a decision on who to keep, and who to let go. I've been observing them, handling everyone, trying to see which ones are the best fit for me. I thought I'd be keeping the EE's and one each of the BO's and BR's. And I'm pretty sure which specific chicks I'd miss the least, though it's a tough choice. Now, when watching the little flock, I notice my orp's really seem to enjoy hanging out together. They roost next to each other, feed near each other, and can usually be found together. I'm second-guessing splitting them up. I could let both barreds go, but I'm really finding I enjoy the smaller of the two, and would probably miss her. All three EE's are characters, and I don't think I could let any of them go. So it's really got to be one each opr/barred, or both barreds or both orps. Is it a ok to split up 2 chickens that really seem to like each other? They seem so happy and content that I don't want to drastically affect that. Thanks for any input!
I, too, would keep them all if there was any possible way. In year 2 egg production drops off so you could keep these for several years before you replace them and still have plenty of eggs.
