We currently have 4 hens all about 20-21 weeks old. They have JUST started laying (one still isn't). They are a lovely group, very friendly and get along well with one another. My daughter, whose chickens these are, really really wants to get what she calls a 'funky feather' chicken (a Silkie or Cochin or something like that). I'm concerned about 2 things:
1. Introducing a new hen or two at the time when the hens are just starting to lay.
2. Messing up our nice little group - should I take the risk?
So at what age is a good age? I figure if we get a new one or two, we'd get ones that were close in age & size. Should I wait?
We do have room for up to 8 if we wanted them although if they all keep using just 1 nesting box, who knows!
1. Introducing a new hen or two at the time when the hens are just starting to lay.
2. Messing up our nice little group - should I take the risk?
So at what age is a good age? I figure if we get a new one or two, we'd get ones that were close in age & size. Should I wait?
We do have room for up to 8 if we wanted them although if they all keep using just 1 nesting box, who knows!
