how to increase my flock

[jool88]

Ive just brought my first three chicks , they are 8 days old the dealer told me they are all hens and have been inoculated , I want to keep about 8 chickens in total , would you advise me to get a Cockerell? I would like a couple of differnt breeds can anyone advise what to have and what age to get them , thanks

 

[red horse ranch]

Ive just brought my first three chicks , they are 8 days old the dealer told me they are all hens and have been inoculated , I want to keep about 8 chickens in total , would you advise me to get a Cockerell? I would like a couple of differnt breeds can anyone advise what to have and what age to get them , thanks

Having a rooster is a matter of preference and also if you have any zoning that may prohibit it. If you are allowed to have a rooster then I would highly recommend it. Especially if you plan to free range your chickens. A rooster is always watching for danger to his girls. He may not meet danger head on but he will sound a warning that makes the hens scatter for cover. Any rooster can end up being a good one but I would recommend one of the more docile breeds suck as orpington, australorp etc..
Getting chicks is a good way to get the extras if they have been sexed. Otherwise you could get started pullets which are usually 2 to 4 months old. They cost a little more but you know the sex for sure and what they will look like feathered. And you don't have to worry about heat lamps.

 

[jool88]

Thanks for the reply im going to look at some starting pullets ( point of lay in the uk ) they are 3 months old we have a nice field so they will all be free range im looking at all the posts on the site and picking up good tips - looking forward to happy chicken keeping days