Hullooooooo

[Travinara]

Hi! I'm Trav.
This year has been a whirlwind. We purchased our first home on an acre in western Colorado in January, and I've been scrambling to figure out the plants and trees and garden ever since. July has been wonderful, because I finally have a break from digging/weeding/planting/weeding.... so, of course I'm ready to add in chickens.... just in time to start my nursing classes. Fortunately I have a fantastic partner who is happy to pick up the slack. We're a little late to the party, but we don't want to wait until spring.

Anyhow, my biggest question is about mixing young hens of different ages. Because we are a little later in the season I was curious if we would be able to create a flock with a pair of started pullets (Australorps) and four chicks (2 Plymouth Rocks, 2 Rhode Island Reds) 6 birds total. Is this a really silly idea, or can I make it work? I have plenty of space and they will be mostly free range until winter settles in, which according to the neighbors is somewhere mid-November.

Any help or guidance or tips are appreciated.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Frindizzle]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined the flock! I have mixed hens of different ages twice, and am doing it next month. I usually put the new hens in a different pen next to the other hens for a few weeks, then have the hens switch coops. It seems to work, when the hens that aren't new come in, they all seem to get along. Do tell me how it works out, and how you got them introduced!

 

[drumstick diva]

There is much info available about integrating young birds with mature ones. Generally it's best to wait till the chicks are about the same size as the grown birds. Chicks grow fast but, to put them in when they are very small - will generally result in them being attacked. You can put "integrating flocks" in the search box.

 

[Travinara]

I will happily update as I can! Thank you for the reassuring words and the pointers, it helps take some of the anxiety away. Right now I'm in that wonderful place of waiting, and filling the time with the lovely stories here.

 

[sourland]

Hello, Trav, welcome to our poultry community. I wish you the best of luck with your projects.