Should I split the coop in two?

[epona4]

This is a cross post, but thought I might have better luck here.

I'm bringing home my first batch of chickens tomorrow. I'm hoping to get 6 pullets around 6 months old. If I am not able to get all 6 from the same breeder, what will be the best way to house them?

I had not thought of this till today. I just figured I'd be able to put them all together...but realized that if they are not from the same farm, it might be rough on them.

How bad would it be to house them together? Should I try to keep them separate and for how long?

 

[LynneP]

Disease-wise, it's smarter, too. That way if one group has something, the others won't get it. Gives you time to asses the groups too. Had you hoped for one integrated flock? Will they be the same breed/cross?

What a good question...

 

[Leah-yes I know I'm crazy]

Take a few minutes to concider bio-security. I am not trying to frighten you, just a heads up about mixing groups of poultry and therefore mixing their potential health problems.
Are you going to some sort of auction?
Do you know what breeds you will be getting?
Usually the reccomendation is to keep birds away from each other for 14 to 30 days (depending on your level of risk) and this doesn't just mean with chicken wire between them this means apart.
Try to get all your birds from one place if you can, and make sure that place has a good reputation for healthy birds.

 

[epona4]

Thanks for the replies. I will be getting them at the Ohio National Poultry show this weekend.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that I can get them all from one breeder. I'd like to get a 2 or three different breeds.

The breeds I'm interested in are Ameraucana, Delaware (I've heard they can be hard to find), Buff Orpington, Barred Plymouth Rock, Australorp, Dominique, New Hampshire red and Sussex. And the DD wants Polish.

I'm obviously not planning on trying to get all these tomorrow! But these are all breeds I'm interested in based on temperament, looks and egg production.

 

[ROC4K]

Good Luck at the show!