Should I get more chickens??

[Ilovechickens2525]

I know, is this even a question! Lol

I have a fairly small backyard flock, nine girls. Everyone is getting along great.

But I am tempted to get a couple more because I found a couple Appenzeller Spitzhaubens and they look so pretty. But, is it worth the possibility that’ll throw off the vibe? Will my girls not accept them? We also do consume a lot of eggs so a couple more layers is good for us. I’m feeling so indecisive.

Anyone have this breed and have any insight?

 

[Logar]

Just do it! If you have the coop space then it should be fine. If it doesn’t work then rehoming should be easy as adult laying hens are very appealing to a lot of people.

 

[Rose the Legbar]

Spitzhaubens from my experience are super friendly and love being at your feet. Super friendly and unique looking birds (especially if you get the chamois or gold spangled varieties!). My little Spitz pullets hold their own against the older hens without too much disturbance.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Depends on your facilities - do you have more than minimal space for the max size flock that you're dreaming of, both in the coop and run? Integration favors space regardless if you're adding chicks or adults.

 

[FloridaChook]

Yes. and by a few you mean a few 100?

 

[Loving my girls]

I don’t understand the question ?
More hens ? Obviously

The only thing I would check is roosting space and run space. I personally would also check the size ratio as if all your hens are big breed some smaller breed hens may have a challenge fitting in.

Hugz

 

[Muser]

Ive read a fair bit on Spitzhaubens. Apparently they like to roost high, trees, fences etc. make sure you're fences are tall, they can clear those in a heartbeat if they feel like exploring.

 

[Ilovechickens2525]

Ive read a fair bit on Spitzhaubens. Apparently they like to roost high, trees, fences etc. make sure you're fences are tall, they can clear those in a heartbeat if they feel like exploring.

I also read that, our enclosure has a roof so they will not be able to do that here! So, good that I wouldn’t lose them. But bad I guess that they wouldn’t be able to explore how they like!

I can’t free range where we are, too many neighbours dogs run loose. A dog killed most of my flock in less than 5 minutes when they were new and in a temporary enclosure. We also have other predators like foxes etc in the area.

 

[Ilovechickens2525]

Yes. and by a few you mean a few 100?

I wish!

 

[Ilovechickens2525]

Depends on your facilities - do you have more than minimal space for the max size flock that you're dreaming of, both in the coop and run? Integration favors space regardless if you're adding chicks or adults.

Thank you all! My coop is 8x10. So I do think I could fit a couple more but probably not a tonne since our winters get cold so I’d want them to have space! We have 4 nesting boxes but everyone seems to want to use the same one lol. Should definitely be room in the run, not sure of exact measurements but there’s lots of space.