Removing Roos and introducing new hens?

[samantha1242]

We got 5 chicks and have since discovered 4 are roos and one is a hen. We were planning on just hosting hens at this time so going to rehome the Roos (back to a family farm) and will be seeking new hens. A few questions.

Is it a good idea to remove roos first? But then will the hen get lonely?

Or should it be done on the same day?

And should the hens be of similar age? Right now our chicks are about ten-eleven weeks old.

Thanks

 

[My Bagurks]

A chicken used to a flock could get lonely and I’ve seen the longer a chicken goes alone, the more socially awkward it could become. It doesn’t all have to be done the same day, but I would try and do it close together.
Do you have electricity near the coop?
Could you put the brooder in the run/coop so the line hen could watch them grow?

Is there a particular reason you don’t want the roosters? Obviously 4 to one hen is too much, but If you are able to keep roosters, I’d keep one with the hen. Flocks do better with a rooster to help protect it, specially free ranging. It adds another dynamic to the social structure and brings a few possible extra challenges but it also leaves the door open to hatching later, selling fertilized eggs, and the funny stuff roosters do. Roosters learning how to crow is hilarious.

 

[Mrs. K]

If you are new to chickens - I recommend just keeping a hen flock this year. Get some experience.

I also like to mix it up all at once, chickens hate change, and by doing it all at once, they get over it quickly.

Ideally it would be nice to add similar aged chicks if you can get them.