Currently have (5) three-week old pullets in the brooder. They'll have a fairly large coop once they go outside, 8'x12' with about 2/3 of it for them and the remaining space as storage for food, bedding, and such. There will be an enclosed run attached. They will be allowed out of the run if we are out in the yard working/relaxing.
Long term plan is to start with these 5 to learn the ropes and get into the routine of taking care of chickens. What I'd like to do is to get another half dozen pullets next spring and introduce them to the flock. Repeat the spring after that. Then on the fourth spring (and every spring going forward) when the newest batch of half dozen pullets is introduced, cull the oldest "group" to the freezer. That way the max size of the flock at any given time is 18 laying hens (may eventually get a rooster) and this keeps the hens in egg laying "prime" and eventually puts a little extra meat in the freezer.
Reasonable plan? Any issues with introducing new birds to the flock that way?
Long term plan is to start with these 5 to learn the ropes and get into the routine of taking care of chickens. What I'd like to do is to get another half dozen pullets next spring and introduce them to the flock. Repeat the spring after that. Then on the fourth spring (and every spring going forward) when the newest batch of half dozen pullets is introduced, cull the oldest "group" to the freezer. That way the max size of the flock at any given time is 18 laying hens (may eventually get a rooster) and this keeps the hens in egg laying "prime" and eventually puts a little extra meat in the freezer.
Reasonable plan? Any issues with introducing new birds to the flock that way?