to add or not to add (chickens that is)

[ONSTAD1]

Recently I lost 3 of my size 5 flock. Replaced 2 from another flock today. Good amount of healthy pecking order going on. Was going to add one more from a different flock tomorrow... wondering if I should hold off till things settle in a bit or just get the 3rd and let things sort themselves out? I'm leaning towards getting the 3rd tomorrow. Thoughts? Ridicule? Scoldings?

thanks

Mo

 

[mandymae1984]

I'd just be careful adding to the established flock right when you bring the new ones home. I bought two marans from someone brought them home put them in the coop with my others who I had for 4 years had to cull them all due to MG. I was heart broken. Symptoms don't show until they are stressed. I had to cull around 20 birds that day........Just be careful is all. Now I bring home new birds I keep them separated for at least two weeks across the yard in another pin until we know they are healthy!

 

[ONSTAD1]

Sound advice. Thanks

 

[Mrs. K]

That is sound advice, but the op has already added the new birds.

I think I would get the other bird too and add it right away, that is just a single upset in the flock, they will all be strangers to each other, and then the whole flock will settle down faster.

It does upset them a bit to have new birds, but better to get it over with.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

That is sound advice, but the op has already added the new birds.

I think I would get the other bird too and add it right away, that is just a single upset in the flock, they will all be strangers to each other, and then the whole flock will settle down faster.

It does upset them a bit to have new birds, but better to get it over with.

Mrs K

Agrees, plus adding one bird alone is harder.