Should I take chickens that are 2 years old?

[Mzcooke]

I have 4 polish chickens that are not good layers. They are 2 years old and they stopped laying in September and probably won't lay until March. I know someone that wants to get rid of 2 chickens that are 2 years old. I was wondering if it's a good idea to take these 2 birds (and hopefully get eggs). My polish hens have become more like pets, but I would really love to have some eggs.

 

[Egg Snatcher]

2 years is not a bad age to get hens. As long as the look and act healthy and you quarantine for 30 days you will be good.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Taking in older birds is not as simple as bringing them home and putting them in with your current birds. There are a few things to consider for a safe and successful introduction.

1. What breed(s) are they and will they get along with your current chickens? I've read that Polish are often picked on by other birds because of their head feathers. And some breeds, such as hybrid production layers, tend to have a short lifespan, many only living to about 3 years.

2. Where are they coming from? Have they been well cared for and were they kept in a clean and spacious environment? Do they show any signs of disease (respiratory infections, feather problems, bugs, lethargy, poor comb color, weight loss, etc.)? If so, do not take them!

3. Are you prepared to quarantine then introduce them to your current chickens slowly? A strict quarantine is advised when introducing adult birds to a flock. This means they must be kept far away from your current birds and you must shower and wear completely different clothes and shoes when going between the new birds and the old birds for an entire month. After the quarantine and you have confirmed the new birds look healthy, you should introduce them to the old birds slowly by first keeping them in separate pens and letting them see but not touch each other for at least a few days.

 

[Squawkers]

I, personally, don’t take in adult birds just because the risk of them bringing something to my girls is too much for me to take. But that’s just me, I know plenty of people do it. If I knew the person personally, I might make an exception though.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If eggs are a priority, I wouldn't add anything older than point of lay pullets.

 

[Mzcooke]

Thanks for all the good info!! There is a lot that I didn't consider.