New to chickens needing flock size advice

[davogels]

We just started our first flock in early May with 3 birds...2 silkies and 1 Wyandotte, all 7 weeks old. Sadly we lost one silkie and now have the two girls left. They are 5 months old now and haven't started laying yet but it should be soon. I read it isn't the best idea to introduce a new member to the flock when pullets are at this age because of the stress involved. I also read that having only 2 in a flock isn't good. I'm not sure why, but not resistant at all to adding to our flock. What I'm not sure about is when I should do this and what age should the new member(s) be and how many to add and what breeds will be best...yeah, not sure about a lot! I really don't wan't to have more than four since we are just starting and have a lot to learn. We're actually happy with just the two but want what is best for a flock to function well. We don't want to add a roo either at this time. So, any advice y'all have to offer would be so great.

 

[Lydia Huizenga]

It's really your choice to choose what breeds you get but I would recommend Easter Eggers. I would say get more than your desired amount since at least one usually dies. This isn't the case all the time but it's better to be safe than sorry. I would say order 5 more. Keep the chicks in a brooder and integrate them when they are 8-12 weeks old.

 

[davogels]

We haven't gone the brooder route before since they were 7 weeks when we got them and I haven't read much about it. Do you think we should attempt it or go with older chicks at this stage?

 

[Lydia Huizenga]

We haven't gone the brooder route before since they were 7 weeks when we got them and I haven't read much about it. Do you think we should attempt it or go with older chicks at this stage?

It's all up to you. Going the older route might be easier since you would be able to integrate them sooner. It will be easier to intergrate if the chicks are roughly the same size as the adult hens.

 

[WallyG74]

Where are you getting 7 week chicks? Local?

 

[davogels]

Yes, I found someone selling them near me on the Nextdoor app.

 

[TwoShepherds]

The size of your coop might help to determine how many chickens to get. More space is better! The general rule is at least 4 sq feet per bird in the coop and 10 sq feet per bird in the run. Since you have a silkie, you'll probably want to get docile breeds so it doesn't get picked on.

 

[davogels]

That is what I have been a bit worried about...my wyandotte is definitely in charge and let's my silkie know it often. She isnt that bad tho...a light peck on the neck sometimes and always in charge of food. I was thinking Polish but just started to research breeds. Their coop is large enough for four and they free range most of the day.

 

[Mrs. K]

Always a bit leary when a newbie says the coop is large enough for four... cause many people have been had by the pre- fab coups.

But that being the case, I would go with the birds that are the same age as yours. That will be the easiest. In the morning, let your original birds out into your yard, on a day you are going to be around, lock the newbies into the coop and run. This allows the new girls to explore the area without any harassment.

Feed along the fence line. Wait till it is almost dark, and let the originals back in. The urge to go to the coop should be about the urge to fight. At that age of 7 weeks, I would not expect too much trouble, and nothing serious.

When they get older - then it gets a bit tougher, so I would do it ASAP.

Mrs K

 

[davogels]

Thanks Mrs K. They are actually 5 months...we got them when they were 7 weeks.

And yes, we did get a used pre-fab coop that claimed to be for 6 birds. Narrowing it down to 4 is probably a stretch too.

They have been staying in a large dog crate in my air conditioned garage and have barely been in the coop. They free range sun up to set.

We are now considering building a permanent coop in the garage with open access in and out. The weather here has made things challenging...heavy rain lasting almost all day, flooding the yard, and record high heat and humidity.

We are actually happy with just the two but have read that a flock should be at least 3.

So much to learn!!!
Thanks for the info and help!!!!