Should I get a pair of chicks instead of just one?

[June Williamson]

Hi...I'm new to the forum, but have a similar problem with introducing a 10 week old chick to my 8, 14 week old chicks, who are now outside and kept in a pen. She (Sweetie) was also orphaned when my neighbors free range hens laid eggs under my sheds and were killed by an unknown predator right after they hatched. She is much smaller than they were at the same age. That is problem #1. And, then there's the added problem of what to do with the 1 roo that I would like to separate from the hens soon. I bought a smaller individual coop with a 48"X32" run to put him in, but worry that he will be unhappy separated from the rest of his sisters. Wondering if he will be okay if his pen is right near theirs, or would that be even worse? I can't let any of them free range due to the hawks that hang around, due to my neighbors free range chickens. Out where I live we all own acerage, surrounded by woods. Any suggestions would be very appreciated. PS...I've dubbed myself "The Crazy Old Chicken Lady". At 75 I never thought I'd be raising baby chicks from 2 days old...they sort of volunterred ME for the job, it seems.

 

[azygous]

LG's post about giving the new chick a companion from the home group would work in your case. If the older chick doesn't get along with the younger one, keep trying others until you find a compatible friend. Let them be in a safe pen where the others can see them. After a few days, try them both with the large group. Have plenty of space when you put them all together. Space is key.

Your rooster will be happy and content in a separate pen as long as he can see and talk to the girls. Roosters do not need to have sex to be content.

 

[June Williamson]

Thank you SO much for your advice/suggestions azygous...my brain was starting to hurt from trying to decide how to handle both situations and do the right thing for all concerned. Knowing my roo will be happy in his separate run is a big relief! I have several friendly natured hens that would probably accept my younger one to start the process of introducing her to the group. You've been a very big help in solving this issue as well