Should I change plans regarding new pullets?

[Closing Time]

I have 4 pullets coming 10 weeks that I’ve been growing out, using my 3 horse slant trailer with stall panels removed as their coop. We set up a makeshift run off the back using dog run panels. It’s been a nice set up, easy to clean and they have a ton of room inside when we aren’t around to supervise their outdoor time.

Our main coop is an old 15 x 20 barn with a smaller enclosed attached run. My OG flock was 3 BAs (10 months now) and a Polish roo (we think he’s a year now, he just showed up last year and is the reason we now have chickens). This weekend we lost 2 of our BA hens for completely unrelated issues. Now it’s just my roo with one hen. He’s a good roo, friendly and devoted to the girls, and while he’s not over-mating her in the immediate moment, I can tell she’s a bit stressed finding herself without any other hens.

My original plan was to continue growing the other girls out until they’re about 14 weeks, divide the coop with dog run panels for 2 weeks and then put them all together when the new girls were 16 weeks.

Given the new situation, I’m wondering if I should speed up this process? The new pullets are 2 BAs and 2 EEs. I’m not sure it would be safe to put them in now, with a 1-2 week look no touch period. More concerned about the roo maybe not making good decisions with the smalls. Less concerned about bullying by the hen since we do have Nigel to manage the situation and I’ve watched him be fair with the adult girls. But I also understand there will be hierarchy shuffling when the girls come in to lay.

Welcome any thoughts. Thank you!

 

[Mrs. K]

Good roosters are not attracted to pullets without a bright red comb. Not all roosters are good roosters, but I would not expect a rooster with an adult hen to pay much attention to the pullets until they get closer to laying.

I put my chicks in much younger than 10 weeks, I think that adding 4 to the flock will be nice. But the chicks will be a sub flock until they are laying. If it works out for you, add them now, if it will work better to wait, do it later.

If your hen starts showing real problems with the rooster - pulling the rooster out, would probably be best, until the new chicks get reddened up. If that happens, you might put him where you have the chicks, and put the chicks in the main coop. If you do this, a good solution would be to put the hen/roo where you have the chicks. Put the chicks in your main set up, let them explore and gain some territorial rights without being chased. After two or three days, add the hen back to them.

A lot of clutter helps.

Mrs K