New to chickens needing flock size advice

[Pghelp]

The worst is if you lose one and then have a flock of one. I started with 4 but through 3 years of damn cats, raccoons, and heat wave we only have one of the original 4. I would try to get birds close to the age of yours or slightly younger. It is much more work to integrate adults than it is when they're younger and more adaptable. If you can't find birds locally some of the hatcheries will sell older juvenile pullets singly. You could order 2 or 3 to keep your flock a manageable size. Make sure you isolate so the newbies don't bring in disease. Best of luck!

 

[rosemarythyme]

So here's my suggestion - wait until next year. This will give you time to build a larger coop if needed to accommodate more birds, and will also spread out your birds ages, which matters if eggs are one of your priorities. Hens lay best their first 2 years and then slow down, so by spreading out the ages of your birds, you'll get more consistent production over time.

 

[davogels]

Thanks rosemarythyme (loved that show!) and Pghelp. I've got a lot to think about but waiting until next year and getting things more in order and gaining experience and knowledge does sound the most appealing. I don't want to lose one and have just the one, I know what would be hard on her, so I found a local guy who sells chicks at different ages that we could turn to if that did happen.
Truly appreciate all the help!

 

[Mrs. K]

Adding younger birds it doable, but it is easier in large spaces. Adding different sizes is more tricky.

I do think the best advice you have received, is build bigger, and add later on. Often times if you post locally, you can get a laying hen or two. Some people have had biosecurity issues, but I never had. However, we don't do swaps out here, and the people I get hens from, tend to raise them like me. The chance of loosing another bird, at these birds's ages is not that high. It is possible, but rather unlikely.

Mrs K