Should I buy eggs or wait it out?

[Debby27]

just had a predator sneak around the barn toward the coop!
I don't always fire a warning shot but when I do its center mass!

My BF just gave you big thumbs up

 

[BullChick]

Karl, I did it when mine were about twelve weeks. Six boys and two girls. I added four hens (who laid the first day). No problem.
It is true that any changes can cause a hen to stop laying for any period of time, but I have had pullets lay their first eggs the day I brought them here.

 

[karl69]

My BF just gave you big thumbs up

fortunately I live in an area where I can deal with predators in a humane manor.
Have got to keep your investment safe!
I got these chickens from a tractor supply in town here and lucky I haven't lost any , I'm not gonna loss one to a predator!
Raised on a farm, I ant scared! LOL!
And thank you BF for the thumbs up

 

[karl69]

Karl, I did it when mine were about twelve weeks. Six boys and two girls. I added four hens (who laid the first day). No problem.
It is true that any changes can cause a hen to stop laying for any period of time, but I have had pullets lay their first eggs the day I brought them here.

I am glad I ask these questions before I do something stupid, should do it more often. But hay I'm just a man if I thought everything through...is be a woman! Hahaha!

 

[cheeka]

Goldie is thriving under Mama's care! getting little wing tips already... this is probably "her" 5th Pie... helping herself - she's an ole Pro now... the little brown chick waited for Esther to drop tidbits...

 

[cheeka]

hi karl!

for my 2 cents... I would wait to add birds. the older hens would take a break from laying due to the move, as was mentioned... and your younger birds will give you plenty soon enough. we'll wait it out with you. sure, it's a bit frustrating, but that first egg... for something so small and simple... is so exciting and beautiful... it's worth the wait!

 

[Wishing4Wings]

So I have a question, I have 6 chickens 3 Delawares and 2 RIR's all hens one rooster and their 16 wks old. I think the rooster Is trying to establish his dominance in the flook. My question is what could I expect if I were to introduce a couple older laying hens to the flook?
I'm just tired of paying to much for eggs and a little impatient waiting for them.

Hi there.

Just going to repeat what everyone else has said. You're better off waiting. No joke about quarantining new birds. Seems like a lot of trouble for nothing when there's no problem, but when there is an illness, quarantine can save your whole flock. It happened to me. Got 3 young pullets from a breeder, and the next day they came down with respiratory symptoms which turned out to be Infectious Laryngotracheitis (emphasis on infectious). Thank heavens I had put the pullets in the garage away from my other coops, but I was lucky more from convenience than brilliance on my part. Ended up having to cull my new birds, and it was a very nervous couple of weeks waiting to see if I transmitted to the rest of my birds. I hadn't been very careful that first day before I saw the symptoms. I was very lucky it hadn't spread, and certainly learned my lesson.

Your birds look nice. I like the dark color of the RIRs. Watch and see when the pullets' combs and faces get really red, and you'll know they are close.

 

[Debby27]

Goldie is thriving under Mama's care! getting little wing tips already... this is probably "her" 5th Pie... helping herself - she's an ole Pro now... the little brown chick waited for Esther to drop tidbits...

Awww...cheeka she's looking great!!!!

 

[cheeka]

THREE! another hatched sometime between last night and tonight - I didn't see it this morning, but that doesn't mean it wasn't there... Esther's still glued to the rest of the eggs so who knows what might be the total... Goldie still hops in my hand for some lovin', then dashes back to Esther, and because of that, the other chicks hop in my hand too. Esther doesn't mind at all and it makes me so happy.

 

[Debby27]

THREE! another hatched sometime between last night and tonight - I didn't see it this morning, but that doesn't mean it wasn't there... Esther's still glued to the rest of the eggs so who knows what might be the total... Goldie still hops in my hand for some lovin', then dashes back to Esther, and because of that, the other chicks hop in my hand too. Esther doesn't mind at all and it makes me so happy.

what a bunch of cuties......glad everyone is doing so well