Is it too late to add 3-4 chickens to my new flock?

[Gablelover]

I'm a brand new chicken mommy. My original idea was to get my good laying hens from one source and my ornamental hens from another since I couldn't find one source for all the breeds I wanted. I found pullets from two sources all about the same age. I wanted to do this the same day so they would all be new and adjust together. Well that didn't happen. I was able to get my 8 good layers - they are 10 week old pullets - 4 days ago but I want to add 2 silkies and 1 or 2 sizzles that I can pick up tomorrow from another source. After reading all the posts, I'm not sure that is a good idea. Since it's only been 4 days they're probably still adjusting and could just work it out or it could be a total disaster if I don't quarantine etc.... What do you think? The original 8 are still nervous about coming out of the coop into the run so maybe they wouldn't realize there were new ones until bedtime. I really want the silkies and sizzles but i'm not sure if it's worth it. Thanks!

 

[Mrs. K]

Well there are some risks in mixing two different flocks, the whole disease issue. Sometimes you can risk it, and some people never do- your call. If you can visually inspect the place where the hens are coming from, then I think I am more willing to risk the mix.

As for mixing the girls, if you decide to do it, I would mix them at night, letting them wake up next to each other works best. Also make sure that there are some obstacles in your run, some places that chickens can get away from an aggressive hen.

What sizes are the two sets of hens, compared to each other? If they are close to the same size, I don't think you will have any problem, as long as you add a couple that come from the same flock, not a single hen.

mrsK

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

I would definitely quarantine. Any groups of birds you get from different sources should be quarantined away form each other. That way if one group gets sick, the others wont. Better safe than sorry!

 

[Gablelover]

Oh thank you, thank you for giving me the answer I wanted! I will be going to where the chickens live and will be able to inspect them. I'd like to get 3-4. I think all the chickens will be close to the same size. I'm home during the day so I can monitor them. There are lots of hiding places for them as well. I will take your advice on the night time mix.

 

[kano]

The "chicken people"do that all the time. But, it's not an easy thing ,not for us and not for the chickens. The best way is to put the new ones in a pen ,( or a cage) next to old ones for a few days.They have to see each other. Then, during the nigth, you place the new ones in the pen.

 

[Schultz]

Quote:
I totally agree with this. Quarantine for at least 3 weeks. Better safe than sorry.