Replacement Hens....

[gltrap54]

Need to replace a few hens and I'm torn between buying chicks or pullets... Over the years I've done it both ways but buying chicks is more work but you know what you have whereas buying pullets can create issues with your existing flock... What's BYC's preference?

 

[LaFleche]

Need to replace a few hens and I'm torn between buying chicks or pullets... Over the years I've done it both ways but buying chicks is more work but you know what you have whereas buying pullets can create issues with your existing flock... What's BYC's preference?

I don't know what BYC's preferences are, but mine is breeding my own, preferably with a reliable broody hen doing all the work for me.

 

[Sally PB]

I hope to breed my own some day, with a broody hen to do the work. That would be the best, IMO.

I would much rather start with chicks. Yeah, more work, but I wouldn't want to miss the incredibly CUTE part of chickens.

I'll be getting more chicks this spring/summer, and I'll see how the integration goes. I would guess, since I've never done an integration before, that 4 week old chicks would be easier to integrate than started pullets...? Maybe seem less threatening to the hens here now? I'll be doing a "look don't touch" for sure.

And then, with chicks, there is the CUTE factor. Aw, geez... so cute.

 

[CraftyHen]

I do both but prefer started pullets. Probably because I'm impatient about waiting months for laying to begin.

 

[black_cat]

I much prefer chicks, as it gives you wonderful time to bond with them and watch them grow, but some think that they're annoying and a hassle. It all comes down to personal preference.

 

[alwaystj9]

I buy chicks, all pullets, reduces the rooster issues.

 

[Kirkwooder]

Chicks for sure. Way less chance of introducing any health issues.

 

[Ridgerunner]

What's BYC's preference?

What are your goals? I think that is a big part of this. My goals are to raise them for meat and to play with genetics. To meet my goals I pretty much have to hatch and raise them myself, some with a broody hen and some with an incubator and brooder. Sounds like your goals are different so my preferences should not count much of anything toward your preferences.

It sounds like your choice is to either buy chicks or buy started pullets. You've done it both ways so you have experience with your set-up how you do both. As you know, either one can work. One of my thoughts is choose the one that is most convenient for you. You are an important part of the equation.

What are some of the pros and cons? With Point Of Lay (POL) pullets you know they are girls. With chicks you can get a surprise boy. Since you've done both you have the facilities and equipment for both so that should be a wash. POL pullets bring more biosecurity issues with them than baby chicks from an established hatchery. With baby chicks it may be easier to bond with them if you want a flock that sits in your lap and such. POL pullets may be harder to tame. Is that important to you? With POL pullets you don't have to wait so long to get eggs.

With older chickens I think integration is more likely to be violent but it is over with pretty quickly. They soon make their way into the pecking order. You can have deadly violence with baby chicks too, but if you go slow and have lots of room it can be pretty peaceful. It takes a lot of time for those baby chicks to get to the point that they are in the pecking order.

I have no idea what the right answer is for you.

 

[gltrap54]

I don't know what BYC's preferences are, but mine is breeding my own, preferably with a reliable broody hen doing all the work for me.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Chicks for sure. Way less chance of introducing any health issues.

x2. I don't want to hassle with quarantine. Plus chicks are just cute, though I admit I'm always eager for them to integrate with the flock so I no longer have to deal with watching the heat source, putting out separate food and water, etc.