How to introduce new chickens to my one hen and one rooster??

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Tcdawford

In the Brooder
Oct 23, 2024
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We currently have one barred rock hen and one Americana rooster (bother about 3 years old). I want to add more hens because one hen for my rooster to mate is taking a toll on her. Any recommendations on how to do this? I don’t need many hens, just enough to balance out the mating so if it is only one more hen that is recommended that is fine! But really looking for advice on home many I should introduce, should it be the same breed as my current hen, does age of new hen/s matter?

Also, my chickens are free range so when separating them they will really only be in proximity at night so should I quarantine new hen/s longer? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!
 
Welcome to Backyard Chickens!
It depends on the temperament of your rooster. Some need less and some need more.
I would add at least seven more hens.
But, they cannot be put with the hen and roo at first.
If you are getting the hens at young pullet age, I would put them in a dog cage and put the cage in the coop with the hen and roo.
That way they can see them but not touch them. The pullets will need their own waterer and feeder.
I would not even let them out together at all for the first couple of weeks. Then, gradually let them out together and supervise them. Watch for any pecking or bullying.
This is the way I introduce new chickens. Someone else may have other advice.
Best wishes with your flock! 🙂
 
Hiya, and welcome to BYC! :frow

Getting chicks is going to take about five months or so to rectify your ratio. I would look in poultry groups for my state on Facebook or post there that you’re looking for older pullets or hens.

Roosters usually don’t bother young chicks but your hen might. We mix younger with older and it works well as the chicks learn quick who to stay away from.

If you get hens or older pullets, I’d quarantine at least two weeks far away from my others. Then try the “look but don't touch” method for a week, or since they free range, I’d just put them together at that point and see how it goes. You can always pen up one that’s causing issues.

We’re glad you’re here!
 
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Hello and welcome to BYC! :frow Glad you joined.

You will definitely want to quarantine adult birds you bring into your flock. I would keep them far away from your existing birds for a minimum of 3 weeks but the recommendation is always one month. Protocol dictates you tend to your original flock first and then to the new birds, never the other way around. And always put fresh clothes and wash your hands on before going back to your original birds after being with the new ones. I would get hens that are similar in size to your rooster. He won't care if they are different breeds.

How large is your coop? That really is going to be the deciding factor on how many birds you should add to your little flock of two. You want to maintain 3.5-4 square feet per bird in the coop with as close to one square foot of permanently open ventilation per bird.
 

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