New to having chickens

[bronzewing]

We have built a large coop all ready to go and now finding it really hard to buy the chickens in our area. We have ordered 6 one day old chicks but in the mean time would like some that are already laying eggs. can't wait to get going now

 

[redsoxs]

Howdy from Kansas, bronzewing, and

! Great to have you in our flock! For the laying hens you might consider posting in your state's thread in the link below - maybe a local can hook you up! Good luck to you!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you

 

[drumstick diva]

go to the Where am I, where are you forum - locate and post on your state thread. You will probably find some locals - maybe they will have point of lay birds for you.

 

[cafarmgirl]

To be honest, since this is your first go around with having chickens, I'd wait and just raise up those babies and not take on the issue of having to integrate the babies with the older birds once they are ready to go in the coop. Chickens do NOT like newcomers, at all, and they can be brutal! Integrating new birds or young birds into a flock takes time and effort and for best results you really need a separate pen for the young birds alongside the older birds. That way everybody gets used to each other before they actually share the same space. Otherwise you run a big risk of serious injury to the younger or smaller birds. I keep young birds alongside older ones until they are fully 15 weeks old and the same size as the older ones. They still scuffle a little when they are allowed to mingle but it's very minor.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC, and good luck obtaining locally raised birds.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[chicken gal]

To be honest, since this is your first go around with having chickens, I'd wait and just raise up those babies and not take on the issue of having to integrate the babies with the older birds once they are ready to go in the coop. Chickens do NOT like newcomers, at all, and they can be brutal! Integrating new birds or young birds into a flock takes time and effort and for best results you really need a separate pen for the young birds alongside the older birds. That way everybody gets used to each other before they actually share the same space. Otherwise you run a big risk of serious injury to the younger or smaller birds. I keep young birds alongside older ones until they are fully 15 weeks old and the same size as the older ones. They still scuffle a little when they are allowed to mingle but it's very minor.

I agree

 

[DelcoChix]

I agree

To be honest, since this is your first go around with having chickens, I'd wait and just raise up those babies and not take on the issue of having to integrate the babies with the older birds once they are ready to go in the coop. Chickens do NOT like newcomers, at all, and they can be brutal! Integrating new birds or young birds into a flock takes time and effort and for best results you really need a separate pen for the young birds alongside the older birds. That way everybody gets used to each other before they actually share the same space. Otherwise you run a big risk of serious injury to the younger or smaller birds. I keep young birds alongside older ones until they are fully 15 weeks old and the same size as the older ones. They still scuffle a little when they are allowed to mingle but it's very minor.

I third their responses! It's pretty stressful integrating different ages, especially when the 'babies' get picked on by the grown-ups, which is inevitable. Unless you have a big enough set-up to have two separate but adjacent pens for them so they can gradually get acclimated to each other, I'd suggest you stick with your initial six babies, or do like a lot of us have done...and increase your order! When they arrive you're going to see how tiny and cute and fluffy they are, fall in love instantly and then think..."why didn't I get 12?"

Also, you will really enjoy watching them grow up, and it does go by quickly, although that means 6 months until fresh eggs....it's worth the wait.
Best of luck whatever you decide.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!