Integrating New Pullets

[Ridgerunner]

I am going to just get a couple of chicks, and make the time to raise them, since I am setting up an area for youngsters and existing to get to know each other. I also don't want that area contaminated, as I plan to use it yearly for chicks, and cleaning and disinfecting can only go so far. With chicks, I will know the conditions from day 2. At least that will get me new layers starting in January. Question regarding chicks that start laying in January. Will they then not molt fall/winter 2026?

It sounds like you are planning on two new chicks. I suggest a minimum of three. It is easier to integrate chickens if you have at least two. They are social animals and really want to be with other chickens. Unless you get sex linked chickens you are not guaranteed that they will both be female. If you get two and one dies or is a male you need to get rid of you only have one. If you get three and something happens to one you still have two.

If you get two-day-olds now they will be 4 months old in January. I'd expect you to get eggs in January or February.

I agree with Rosemary. Some will molt in their first fall, some will lay through the winter. You never know.

Your overall plan sounds good but I would get at least three.

 

[BonnieBlue]

Assuming you have birds that came into lay at the start of January they'd probably be somewhere between 20-30 weeks old, so by the time next fall rolls around they would be a year old. So maybe they'll molt, maybe they won't.

Adding new chicks every year or every two years is your best bet for more consistent egg production, but even then you may need to start storing up eggs in late summer/fall in anticipation of reduced production.

That is exactly my plan. I will do a handful this fall, and then add probably 3 every spring to get a few fresh through the winter. I'll also be glassing eggs to help get me through holiday baking.

 

[BonnieBlue]

It sounds like you are planning on two new chicks. I suggest a minimum of three. It is easier to integrate chickens if you have at least two. They are social animals and really want to be with other chickens. Unless you get sex linked chickens you are not guaranteed that they will both be female. If you get two and one dies or is a male you need to get rid of you only have one. If you get three and something happens to one you still have two.

If you get two-day-olds now they will be 4 months old in January. I'd expect you to get eggs in January or February.

I agree with Rosemary. Some will molt in their first fall, some will lay through the winter. You never know.

Your overall plan sounds good but I would get at least three.

My plan is 5 around the end of September once I get the little coop in place with a small run to transition them between brooder and big coop. Then each year will be three chicks added in. That way I have enough for putting eggs aside for winter, plus a few fresh.

 

[rosemarythyme]

That is exactly my plan. I will do a handful this fall, and then add probably 3 every spring to get a few fresh through the winter. I'll also be glassing eggs to help get me through holiday baking.

I was doing 4 chicks once every 2 years but then I ended up with a full coop and more eggs than we can eat (and it turns out I really can't eat that many), so I slowed it down and it'll likely be 3 chicks once every 3 years. I think that will fall in line better with my household's needs.

My fridge is already pretty full in preparation for winter so I should do fine this year!