One of my 3 hens died, should I get new chickens?

[ComeAlongBort]

In a freak accident, my dog killed one of my chickens, I’m not mad at her since that’s just her nature, but I’m still sad about it.

What I’m wondering about now is if I should add more hens to my flock, the two remaining are both 16 weeks old, and I was wondering if it would be better to add chicks or adult hens.

Thank you.

 

[Debbie292d]

If it's in your dog's nature to kill chickens, I would make your chickens a run that's safe from your dog or any other animals first.

If you've already done that, then it's all up to availability as it's rather difficult in most areas to find hens for sale, and they are usually quite expensive, as in $25 or more.

With chicks, it's more fun too.

 

[TooCheep]

Two is an absolute minimum as chickens are flock creatures. If you have the space, they would be happier with more. That said, adding new chickens is a bit tricky as the existing chickens may attack any newcomers. Search for "look but don't touch" for info on how to introduce new chickens to a flock.

 

[Mrs. K]

When you are talking a very small flock like 3 head and only 16 weeks, generally there is a pretty small coop. At 16 weeks they are not full grown.

It might be best, just to keep the two birds, and think about adding chicks next spring. That way all your birds will not be the same or close to the same age.

Pictures of your birds and your coop/run would really be helpful, regardless if you get hens or chicks - integration in very small flocks in small set ups can be done, but is difficult.

Mrs K

 

[FrostRanger]

I would get more chicks, 2 is too dicey of a number to have 'cause if one gets sick and has to be separated for a while or dies, you have a lone hen and being alone isn't good for them. Definitely consider how much room you have and expand if needed before you get more but I would get more