question not sure about this

[JAG0105]

I am new to posting and not sure how to post. Hope this goes.
first I have 7 chickens I got the first of June, ready to turn loose in the coop.
My question is that I want to purchase more chicks.
is it okay to have 3 roosters and will the older chickens accept the new ones when it is time to put them out in the coop.
I would like to know before I complete my order for my new chickens. With then new order I will have a total of 17 chickens
3 of which will be roosters.
Thanks for your input
Judy

 

[DanasChicks]

Hi Jag0105,

I try to use a wire cage, be it a bird cage, dog kennel, cat kennel or hardware cloth cage to place an newbies where the older hens and roos can see them for a period of time. The older hens and roos will go check them out and investigate, but the youngsters are protected by the wire cage. When I feel that the introductions are over, I release the youngsters watching carefully that they are not bothered by the older flock. Depending on how things go, I will let them sleep in the coop. If not, they have to stay separated. If you notice the youngsters hiding, they are not ready. Typically, the only issues I see are over food. I spread out their grain so there is plenty of opportunity for the younger ones to feed without getting pecked away by the older flock. Each new introduction comes with it's own circumstances. It's a trial by error thing in my opinion. Some additions move right in with no issues and some don't go as planned and need remedied. I suggest you are prepared with a suitable temporary cage of some sort for the newbies, just incase things don't go as smoothly and you need to keep them separated for a couple weeks while everyone adapts.

Maybe you will get a few more introduction ideas from other BYC members.

Hope that helps.

 

[JAG0105]

Thanks so much this really helps