Need advice on adding new chickens to a flock - best breed mix and timing?

[Eggcellent8]

We are considering adding 8 more chickens to our current flock of 8 Australorps (who are now only 18-20 weeks old) so that we have enough eggs for our family needs, and to share. Couple of questions...

1. I've been researching chicken breeds that are good with kids, tend to not be bossy to other chickens, and lay lots of eggs. I've considered Buff Orpingtons, Rhode Island Reds, Barred Plymouth Rocks, Easter Eggers, Speckled Sussexs, and more. What breeds do you like for these purposes? I guess we could just get more Australorps, since we adore ours. But it would be nice to add a variety to our flock.

2. I've heard lots of different ways to introduce new flock members, but I am still confused. Every situation is different and I haven't found a thread yet that is similar to mine. We have a 4 x 10 coop with a 12 x 20 run and I let them free range a few times a week. Also, I would be adding chicks (once they are old enough), not adults. I also don't know how much difference it makes that the existing chickens aren't very old yet (hatched in late February this year). Maybe I don't need to worry about this yet, but I am one who likes to know what I am getting into before I get into it. What would you recommend for our situation?

Thanks in advance!

 

[HEChicken]

1. Any/all of the breeds you mentioned sound appropriate. I've had all of them at one time or another and all are fairly calm and quiet, good layers and easy on the eyes.

2. Integration will go easiest when they are all roughly the same size. Do you have a way that you can divide your pen in half so that they can interact with each other through the wire but the bigs won't have opportunity to hurt the littles? They seem young to you but they are virtually adults now, and will almost certainly hurt chicks if given the opportunity. Personally, I have found space to be my friend when integrating. The more space the have - and the more opportunity the new birds have to get away from the original flock - the better it works. It also helps to set up multiple feed/water stations, since a favorite pastime is for the original flock to try to bar the new guys access to feed and water.

Edited to add: Given the space in your coop and run, I wouldn't recommend adding too many more. The general rule of thumb is 4 sq. ft of coop space per bird & 10 sq ft of run space. At 4x10, your coop is 40 sq. ft and therefore can accommodate 10 birds. And, at 12x20, your run is 120 sq feet so can accommodate about 12 birds. I would go with the lower of the two figures to avoid stressing them out. Therefore, the space you have can accommodate only about 10 birds. Your current flock of 8 probably really enjoys having a little extra space but adding more would likely cause overcrowding issues.

 

[terryg]

Some breeds are more active foragers and need more space than others. In my experience the RIRs, Barred Rocks and Wyandottes are not easy to add to a confined pen as without the roaming space they will become bullies. Also, avoid the Polish as their fluffy top knots are like a red cape to a bull - the other hens will go for them. Barnevelders, Welsummers, cochins, and orptingtons all handle confinement better. However, they have their downsides (orpingtons and cochins = broodiness!)I love my Speckled Sussex. Active but not aggressive. Also, don't discount white leghorns. Great layers and very personable. As far as adding to your established flock, you might want to read my FAQ - it's geared specifically for the suburban/urban hen keeper.
http://hencam.com/faq/introducing-new-hens/
I agree with HEchicken that the more space the better. 4 square foot per hen inside space minimum, and an additional 8 square feet outside!

 

[Eggcellent8]

Thanks for the help! Just wondering, since our run is 240 square feet (12 x 20) and larger than needed, would that offset the coop being too small (4 X 10) for that number of birds? We have the ability to expand our coop if absolutely necessary, but with current circumstances that is not an option right now. Right now our girls huddle together in a corner when they sleep and are not in the coop much (unless it's hot) if that makes a difference with anything.

Thanks again!

 

[terryg]

It is wonderful to have enough eggs to share!
Are your hens huddling on the floor? They should be roosting. You might have to put them on the roosts at night to teach them to do that. As far as coop size, the bigger the better. As the hens get older you'll have more pecking issues. The more space you have, the fewer the problems. Unless you live in a part of the country with perfect weather, there will be days when all of the hens are crowded indoors. They will be bored and annoyed and you'll have problems. Also, remember that chicken poop is nasty stuff and 75% water. Unless the coop is exceptionally well-ventilated, you'll have respiratory ailments from the damp and ammonia-filled air. I suggest that you wait until your current hens start laying and see how many more eggs you really need. Also, as hens age, their production drops off. In two years you'll have 20 to 40% fewer eggs. So, wait two years and then add to your flock so that you have some young hens at peak laying age. You might want to read my blog post about how long chickens live. It'll give you a long-term perspective on flock management.
http://hencam.com/henblog/2012/04/how-long-do-chickens-live/

 

[Eggcellent8]

I've tried putting them on their roost each night, but they just jump right off and run back to the corner.

Is there another way to train them to sleep on their roost? Or should I just keep putting them on it each night and hope for the best?

 

[HEChicken]

I wouldn't worry about it. They will get it eventually. One night one of them will look up and think "that's a perfect place to sleep tonight", and once one has done it the rest will follow suit. Until then, let them sleep in the corner.