New Birds, flock size, and I hope that perhaps this post is in the right place?

[UTAHEM]

So I found out that not only was my golden Wyandotte a Dark Cornish, it also is a roo. So. . . rehoming or giving to neighbors for meat (sorry Baldie - we will try very hard to find a meat rooster a forever home. . . but. . . just sorry). We only have 3 other hens so a rooster isn't really an option even though our codes will let us keep him.

I have 2 questions:

1. My birds all had to be treated with Corid for Coccidiosis (sp?). If I get a fourth hen at some point, do I need to re-treat the whole flock because new bird will get it for sure? And, is 15-20 weeks young enough to add another bird to the flock without too much disdain?

2. I've also read that one should always have even numbers of birds and that four is the absolute minimum to not have to heat a coop in colder temperatures? Truth/False?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ridgerunner]

A Dark Cornish is not a meat bird. Cornish Cross are the meat birds and they are solid white.

You have that strain of Coccidiosis in your flock so yes, the new chicken will be exposed. You need to be prepared to treat the new bird, which probably means the entire flock, if it shows symptoms. But most chickens that are exposed do not have to be treated. As long as the numbers of the parasite that causes the outbreak do not get out of hand all the chicken will do is develop immunity. That bug thrives in wet conditions. If you do not have wet conditions it’s usually not a problem. But definitely be prepared to treat if you need to, even if it is dry. And watch your other chickens too. There are several different strains of the parasite that caused Coccidiosis. It’s possible the new bird could infect your flock with a new variety. People do this all the time, you just have to be vigilant.

The flock has set up the pecking order. Adding a new bird will require a change to the pecking order. Sometimes this goes extremely smoothly with no disruption, sometimes it is a major problem. It is not a matter of age, it’s a matter of the personality of the specific chickens, your set-up, and your management techniques. The more room you have the better. Housing the chickens next to each other for a week or more before you let them together and having different eating and watering stations also help. But they are living animals, they don’t come with guarantees when it comes to behavior.

There is no reason that you have to have an even number. That’s hogwash. Many people have odd numbers and do fine.

There is no absolute minimum number. Chickens are flock animals and really like company but if you have a solitary chicken it may adopt a pet dog or cat as a flock member, maybe even you. I personally think it is best to have a minimum of three in case one dies the others still have company but there is no reason for four to be an absolute minimum.

Chickens have been known to sleep in trees in the winter in northern Michigan. They can handle cold really well as long as they can avoid direct breezes and they have good ventilation. But when they are confined in a coop they are not able to relocate themselves to get out of the wind or find protected spots. If they can avoid direct breezes and have really good ventilation they do not need any heat during the winter. If your coop is built so wind is funneled through there or you have very poor ventilation they have a lot more trouble with cold.

 

[Folly's place]

I'm coming in to suggest that Baldie might be a wonderful addition to your small flock, if he's being a good boy. He's a rare breed, and will be very handsome, and complete the social order in your flock. If he's human aggressive, then he will be very tasty for the neighbors, but otherwise why send him away? Mary

 

[UTAHEM]

I've read that you should have 10-12 hens per rooster otherwise the hens will be a bit battered? We can see what happens with him.

Thanks for all of the info. Our hens should be fine for the winter! I had just read in multiple places that four is the minimum you should have in cold climates and I didn't know how true that is.

We will see how he behaves. He is super friendly right now. Eats out of your hand and such. Seems to get along well with the girls for the most part. He even sits in the nesting box a lot (naughty boy).

 

[UTAHEM]

Thanks everyone!