I have 5 seven week old chicks in a 8 x 12 pen and 3x4 coop. I'm new to the whole chicken world but I wanted to get a Rhode Island Red mixed in the group but she is 9 months old. Would this create a problem with the others or are they young enough where they just wouldn't care? I'm not sure of any other information that may be needed to determine if this is a good or bad decision but any response would be much appreciated.
could be disastrous - most advice says to wait until they are the same size. However, it's possible if you get the right hen. she may be fine. If you are going to do this, i would be prepared to have separate quarters for them until the little uns are full grown. and then you still have a chance that everyone wont get along. You dont have much space for 6 grown girls. I dont know the personalities of RIR, and what are your chicks?
I know I have two buff orpingtons for sure, but the others, I have no idea. I just posted picks of the other 3. One is a bantam but not sure what the breed or sex is.
I think it is easier to put chickens together when they are little. I don't think putting a nine month with little chicks would be a good idea. The nine month old is likely to hurt them. If you want a RIR I would suggest finding one the same age as your chicks. Good luck.
