Should I expand my flock?

[IslaBean]

I currently have a flock of 4 pullets, who are soon to be hens. Last year in May I raised a straight run consisting of 10 little chicks of mixed breeds. Only four were pullets, the rest had to be relocated. For the last 9 months, these four girls have developed a very healthy social dynamic within their flock. They are free range chickens and are always very close to each other even out of the coop. Since we’ve relocated the males, there hasn’t been an evident pecking order. I’m hoping to expand my flock, but I don’t want to risk loosing the healthy social dynamic of my current flock. Rosa, Pearl, Misty, and Buttercup are all very friendly and enjoy human interaction. My chicken coop was designed to house twelve chickens, so I hope to make more use out of it by getting more chickens. Should I get more chickens? If so, how many chickens should I get and what breed? If I did get more chickens, I’d get them as young chicks. Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[The Phantom]

I would get buff orpingtons and Easter eggers. Those are my favorite breeds. They are also my nicest birds

 

[IslaBean]

I would get buff orpingtons and Easter eggers. Those are my favorite breeds. They are also my nicest birds

I’m definitely interested in Easter eggers. My girl Buttercup is an Easter egger, she’s so sweet!

 

[The Phantom]

I’m definitely interested in Easter eggers. My girl Buttercup is an Easter egger, she’s so sweet!

You should consider a few bantams too. Those are super sweet and cute!

 

[IslaBean]

You should consider a few bantams too. Those are super sweet and cute!

Do they mix well with other chickens?

 

[The Phantom]

Do they mix well with other chickens?

They are lower in the pecking order, but if they all grow up together they should be fine. My bantams boss around my buff orpingtons so some are tough.

 

[IslaBean]

So how many chickens would make a good sized flock?

 

[aart]

So how many chickens would make a good sized flock?

How ever many you have ample room for

My chicken coop was designed to house twelve chickens,

How big is that in feet by feet?
Got pics?
This is how I add new chicks every year;
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

 

[Life is Good!]

Do you need more eggs? If the four hens are providing for you well, then no, don't add to the flock.
If it ain't broke....

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you want more and have room (both for integration and actual housing) then go for it! I actually don't want more eggs but now have relatives that moved nearby that'll take them, so that's my excuse for getting more chicks this spring.