Introducing new pullets...

[DebD]

I think you need to get that husband of yours focused on building a coop, or fixing the sink, or fixing something...

LOL! He already is! It's so funny b/c he is the one who decided to expand the flock, build a new hoop coop and larger run, construct a 26-foot rabbit hutch for our new buns... I have an agricultural background and love nothing more than having livestock/animals to raise but it took a pandemic to get a fire under him. And it just tickles me how involved he is in the care! Good man but I'm passing all this advice on to him. Like, now.

 

[DebD]

We purchased 2-3 of 8 breeds all raised together. In the end 1 Easter egged, 1 lavender Orpington and 1 olive Egger survived with Rhode Island reds and buff Orpingtons. They all get along fine. But maybe because whole flock is diverse

That's exactly what I'm thinking. If I have enough different breeds, who's the odd man/chicken out? And they'll all outnumber the RIRs anyway. Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

[DebD]

I throw pullets of all ages and breeds together all the time and no issues. They will work it out pretty quickly if everyone is under 6 months or so. Introducing hens (year plus) to other hens is a different story, that can get nasty. But under a year- I just toss them all together and let them figure it out- and they always do with no casualties ever.

Good news, since all of mine will be way under one year. It'll be interesting to see how things evolve between the different breeds and I'll have a ringside seat! Thanks!

 

[BaaKaaawk]

LOL! He already is! It's so funny b/c he is the one who decided to expand the flock, build a new hoop coop and larger run, construct a 26-foot rabbit hutch for our new buns... I have an agricultural background and love nothing more than having livestock/animals to raise but it took a pandemic to get a fire under him. And it just tickles me how involved he is in the care! Good man but I'm passing all this advice on to him. Like, now.

If he's stressing over breeds/etc. sounds to me that is the perfect invite to just buy whatever you want and tell him you handled it. I bet he will be very thankful. Maybe buy a few extra chickens in the process... you know for your trouble and all.

 

[DebD]

If he's stressing over breeds/etc. sounds to me that is the perfect invite to just buy whatever you want and tell him you handled it. I bet he will be very thankful. Maybe buy a few extra chickens in the process... you know for your trouble and all.

Exactly!

 

[rosemarythyme]

So, would it be best to get two of every breed I get so no one is singled out? I was going to get one Buff to ensure I have a broody chicken (that's their reputation, anyway) but maybe I should have two to be safe?

I'd say get what you want within reason - like if you only wanted to get 1 lone bantam chick and expect to safely integrate it with the rest, that could be tough. Or if you already have bullying problems, adding more birds could make it even worse. But if you get a mix of chicks and integrate them as a group, really shouldn't matter if you get 2 of each breed or singles or a whole group of just one breed.

Personally I like having a diverse group, so I get 1 of each breed I'm interested in with exception of Easter Eggers since I enjoy them. So currently have 2 of those, might end up with 3 soon, who knows.

 

[DebD]

I'd say get what you want within reason - like if you only wanted to get 1 lone bantam chick and expect to safely integrate it with the rest, that could be tough. Or if you already have bullying problems, adding more birds could make it even worse. But if you get a mix of chicks and integrate them as a group, really shouldn't matter if you get 2 of each breed or singles or a whole group of just one breed.

Personally I like having a diverse group, so I get 1 of each breed I'm interested in with exception of Easter Eggers since I enjoy them. So currently have 2 of those, might end up with 3 soon, who knows.

I agree. I like diversity myself. It provides an opportunity to watch and learn about several breeds at once, for future reference. I also feel like a diverse flock is like a garden with several different flowers. Much prettier to look at than all one color, IMO. The next step is finding places in the valley where we can get either chicks or eggs to hatch...

 

[NorthernChickenChic]

I throw pullets of all ages and breeds together all the time and no issues. They will work it out pretty quickly if everyone is under 6 months or so. Introducing hens (year plus) to other hens is a different story, that can get nasty. But under a year- I just toss them all together and let them figure it out- and they always do with no casualties ever.

Hi there! I have 11 4-week old chicks and I have the opportunity in a week or so to add a few silkie chicks to my flock. My current 11 are various brown egg layers. Will I have a problem introducing silkie chicks because they’re so much smaller or is it easier now because they’re relatively close in age?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Hi there! I have 11 4-week old chicks and I have the opportunity in a week or so to add a few silkie chicks to my flock. My current 11 are various brown egg layers. Will I have a problem introducing silkie chicks because they’re so much smaller or is it easier now because they’re relatively close in age?

Easier to integrate similar aged/sized chicks, so main concern with Silkies being smaller is the others could bully them because of it. Having ample space will really help. A second feeder and waterer would be a good idea too as this is a decent sized group of chicks. Definitely keep an eye on behavior for the first couple of days together.

You may need to temporarily split off part of the brooding area with wire mesh, so keep that in the back of your head as a possibility if it looks like they're not getting along.

 

[L11]

My husband and I are building a hoop house to hold 15-20 birds. We already have 5 RIRs (9-weeks). I would like to get several different dual purpose breeds but my husband thinks we should get all RIRs so they won't pick on each other. If I introduce several young birds of different breeds to the RIRs, and they have a large coop, enough nesting boxes, and a large run, what are the chances of either the RIRs dominating the new birds or of the different breeds picking on another breed as they mature. We've always had pullets of the same breed and/or same age (but no more than 5) and very little pecking. Sounds like a basic (stupid) question but I really need to know what to avoid in this expansion process! TIA!

Slowly introduce them. Have the young ones you want to add in, in a cage in the area with the older ones they will eventually join. Let them get used to each other through a cage so they can see and check them out without hurting the younger ones. Do that for about a week maybe 2 and then eventually take them out of the cage and into the yard with them if you have a yard they get out in and let them get to know each other out of the cage but in enough area they don’t feel threatened after that then you can put them all in the cage for a little while together If they get along then that’s awesome if not let them be in the yard for a few more days to get used to each other. If they don’t get along separate them at night so they don’t fight and possible kill one another.