introduceing chicks?

[SarahBeth]

I'm a first time chicken owner, so forgive the stupid questions. I originally started out with four chicks, and now seven weeks later I just have two (dumb neighborhood dogs). We finally finished up the new, improved, and predator-free coop yesterday and put my remaining two chicks in it. I have one black Bantam chick (which I'm hoping is a pullet, I'm not sure how to check at this age) and a white leghorn pullet.

My intent was to have a few laying hens, but since my other two passed away I only have one laying hen. I got the Bantam as a pet since their eggs are so small I'll barely be able to use them. I was thinking about trying to get some more pullets to add to my herd. I would like three or four pullets around 7 or 8 weeks old, the same age as my other two.

My four chicks were raised together so they never had any problems, but will there be any issues I need to be aware of I get more pullets at this age? How long would you suggest quarantining the new pullets before adding them to the coop to prevent any sickness/disease? Should I be worried about giving them any medication?

Thanks for the help, I look forward to your answers.

 

[silkiechicken]

When introducing birds, make sure they are the same size and let them fight out the new order without intervention unless someone gets hurt badily.

Quarentine for about 3-4 weeks if they are aquired as non chicks.

No medication necessary, giving thing such as antibiotics as a preventative just makes bacterial resistance worse and make your antibiotics useless when you need them.