One or two?

[Cstyles1983]

I've already have 3 chickens two are bonded and the other seems out of place. If I hey a chick can I get one and raise it, then release to the flock, or do I need to get two chick's. I asked cause if I get two baby chick's then they will be bonded too.

 

[DobieLover]

I've already have 3 chickens two are bonded and the other seems out of place. If I hey a chick can I get one and raise it, then release to the flock, or do I need to get two chick's. I asked cause if I get two baby chick's then they will be bonded too.

I'd get three. It is VERY hard to integrate a single bird into a flock. And what if one of the chicks you get dies?

 

[Iluveggers]

I'd get three. It is VERY hard to integrate a single bird into a flock. And what if one of the chicks you get dies?

 

[Skyle]

Always get two, or better, three (like it has been said, if one dies, you may not be able to find one of the same age)
Chickens are social animals and, especially chicks, want to have at least a friend or they will feel very alone and suffer really badly.
Plus a single chicken (especially if young) integrated in a new flock will be picked on very badly.
I once had to raise a single chick (mother and siblings died overnight), here there are no shops that sell chicks and it was during 2020 lockdown so it was forbidden to leave your house, except for very essential needs. Luckily I was home 24/7 so she had company everytime, but it wasn't the same thing, they need company of their own specie. I'll tell you it was very hard. A thing is to remain with a single chick for major cause (only one hatches, all the others die, etc.) and you really can't find any chicks the same age, another thing is doing it on purpose.
If you don't want that many chickens you can raise 3 or 4 and sell the other 2-3 (better if in group so you are sure nobody will be kept alone or will have troubles integrating in the flock) once they are fully integrated in your flock.

 

[SandyRiverChick]

Yep agree with previous comments. I've raised minimum of 2 together and that was only because they needed to be quarantined from rest of the flock (the 2 in my Avatar,) naturally they were super bonded. Just can't imagine a single chick... It's a better idea to eventually introduce 2 that are bonded to the other 3 and let them establish a new order. They will always sort of "pair off" with the flock mates they grew up with no matter how many you have but there will be a new order with the 5 and that will really help the one you're worried about.

 

[Coops Dad]

I'd get three. It is VERY hard to integrate a single bird into a flock. And what if one of the chicks you get dies?

Great suggestion but I recommend getting 5 or 6 chicks in case one dies and two or three are incorrectly sexed and you get a few accidental roosters. If they all thrive and turn out to be pullets, all the better. 8 or 9 chickens is always better than 4.