Intetgrating 3 year old Chickens? Is it possible?

[Spicegirlfam]

Hello,
We currently have 2, 3 year old chickens and a friend is moving out who also happens to have many 3 year old chickens. She offered to give us some, and since we have been wanting more we thought I was a great idea. But, due to the prospect of bullying and/or fighting we haven't made a decision. Anyone have any input or opinions? Is there a certain amount we can take in? or should we not at all?

 

[3KillerBs]

It's probably possible to achieve if you do a careful integration and have plenty of space -- well above the suggested minimums. Even numbers would probably work best, but there are no guarantees.

But since your existing birds are at the age where production falls off you might do better to add chicks instead since they can be easier to integrate and they will be more productive over the next few years.

 

[aart]

Anyone have any input or opinions?

You'll need lots of space.

Is there a certain amount we can take in?

How big is your coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help immensely here.

or should we not at all?

Might be better to get chicks in the spring, if your goal is to have more eggs.
If it is fall where you live.
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[texsuze]

What are your chicken goals? My hens have and always will be pure pets; eggs are the icing on the cake. My hens have a forever home with me. If egg production and/or meat source are your goals, the 3 yr olds you adopt from your friend will likely still lay eggs for a while, albeit fewer than youngsters. But they could be a temporary meat source, if that is your goal.

Space requirements, both for initial quarantine setup for the new girls, and for the final combined living space should be evaluated. Go big if you decide to take on all or some of your friends' hens.

 

[SandyRiverChick]

Absolutely it's possible for me, but it might not be possible for you. What is your setup? It all depends on this. Do you have room? Do you have a way to first quarantine and then provide a separation fence so they can get used to each other. Can they free-range together at first? If you have room and do it right, you don't need to be that worried about bullying, it goes away. How big is your coop, how many do you have room for? And of course like suggested already, are you in it for eggs? 3 years still lay but not like 1-3 year olds so thats for sure something to consider.