My Chicken Nightmare! How should I fix this...

[AugustTreeFarm]

I really appreciate all your help guys!! Can’t thank you enough!

So I obviously want to add more hens to my flock as I only have 3 and would like 10-12. With Norah at 20 weeks. And the others around 10 weeks.... what age pullets/hens should I shop for?
Would it be easiest to purchase them around 10 weeks and integrate them with the youngins immediately? And just try to find breeds that are obvious sex at that young age. Really don’t want more Roos lol

 

[AugustTreeFarm]

My hypothesis is that once you remove the cockrells, nora will be less stressed and will probably settle down some. Plus she will enjoy the company of the younger ones and may be more likely to bind with them even through the fencing.
If you don't want a rooster, don't feel guilt for Nora's sake. She will probably be happier with an all girl flock.

Oh I do like this !! And wouldn’t that be amazing! Thanks for this. Seriously considering this as I never did want a rooster

 

[rosemarythyme]

So I obviously want to add more hens to my flock as I only have 3 and would like 10-12. With Norah at 20 weeks. And the others around 10 weeks.... what age pullets/hens should I shop for?
Would it be easiest to purchase them around 10 weeks and integrate them with the youngins immediately? And just try to find breeds that are obvious sex at that young age. Really don’t want more Roos lol

I don't know what your plans/reasons for chickens are, but I would hold off and wait until next year before adding more birds in order to stagger the ages of the birds so you get more consistent laying over time.

I only get very young chicks, sexed by the hatchery, even knowing there's a risk with getting a cockerel, as I enjoy having them during the "cute phase" and I also have the type of set up for integrating them while they're still very young (which wouldn't work the same with older, larger chicks).

You could consider sex linked birds or breeds with sex specific characteristics if you want the best chance at avoiding males.

 

[Ebony Rose]

If you don't want a rooster, then I'd get him gone before she starts breeding. Can't miss what you know nothing about. I like having a rooster, but they are more work and can be more bother than they're worth. Having a rooster is not for everyone, so don't feel pressured to keep one. I still think she'll integrate with the little ones just fine. Many people have an all hen flock, you don't need roosters to have eggs.

 

[janiedoe]

I believe I would wait also. With luck, maybe your nora will go broody next spring and you can slip some sex-linked chicks under her. That is the easiest way to introduce new pullets.
In the meantime, I wish you success whatever you decide.

 

[lifein1840]

If it were me, I think I would rehome everyone and start fresh with sex link chickens! That way, you know you are getting pullets. You might check with your local feed stores to see if they are going to have more chicks - most of them will let you put in an order for what you want - or call your local 4-H groups. Some of them may take your roosters and may also have some sex link pullets or even started pullets you could buy.
I don't mean to insult you, but since you are new to chickens, sex link chicks are just a cross between two different breeds. The chicks from these crosses are easily identifiable by their color and/or markings.

 

[Folly's place]

I'd keep the pullets you already have, and one cockerel if you want to have one, or not. These girls will be laying eggs for you in another month or three, and that's great.
Next spring, get some chicks (maybe females only, or straight run) and enjoy raising the babies, and then you will have birds one year apart in age, a good thing.
It's safest by far to get hatchery chicks who haven't been exposed and so aren't possible disease carriers to your existing flock. Look up 'biosecurity' and decide just how risk adverse you are, before getting birds from yet another flock.
Meanwhile, enjoy your birds!
Mary

 

[aart]

I don't know what your plans/reasons for chickens are, but I would hold off and wait until next year before adding more birds in order to stagger the ages of the birds so you get more consistent laying over time.

.... I also have the type of set up for integrating them while they're still very young (which wouldn't work the same with older, larger chicks).

Ditto Dat^^^

Get rid of all the boys, give it time to integrate Nora with the youngers.
Get thru your first winter with the pullets you have.

 

[AugustTreeFarm]

Ditto Dat^^^

Get rid of all the boys, give it time to integrate Nora with the youngers.
Get thru your fist winter with the pullets you have.

Yes!! I like this plan!!

 

[AugustTreeFarm]

I'd keep the pullets you already have, and one cockerel if you want to have one, or not. These girls will be laying eggs for you in another month or three, and that's great.
Next spring, get some chicks (maybe females only, or straight run) and enjoy raising the babies, and then you will have birds one year apart in age, a good thing.
It's safest by far to get hatchery chicks who haven't been exposed and so aren't possible disease carriers to your existing flock. Look up 'biosecurity' and decide just how risk adverse you are, before getting birds from yet another flock.
Meanwhile, enjoy your birds!
Mary

Thank you!!! I really do like this plan! I think I’ll just wait to add more and definitely look into the hatchery !!