Two Chicks - Do I add a 3rd and 4th?

[My Three Chicks]

I brought home 3 baby chicks 11 weeks ago (sold as pullets). Unfortunately one has turned out to be a rooster which I am in the process of rehoming (very devastated but that's a different thread!). The other two (Speckled Sussex and Olive Egger) are very sweet, happy, and well adjusted...their rooster brother has not left yet so it may be different after he's gone. But I was wondering if the 2 are happy by themselves, would it be better to not add more to the flock? I'd really like to have 3 chickens...in case something were to happen to one of them and because 2 seems a little lonely and I have room for 3 for sure. But I don't want to cause undue stress on the 2 girls. Also, would it be ok to add just 1 chicken (same age/size) to a very small flock of 2 like ours? Or do I still need to add 2 at a time?

 

[1muttsfan]

I would suggest that if you decide to add chicks, you add at least 2 from the same source, so that they are not mistreated by your current birds. If you like having just 2, that is fine as well, although I think 3 or 4 is better, so that if you loose one the other is not left alone.

 

[MadamContrary]

I'd add two more birds, in case something happens you don't end up with a single chick.

 

[aart]

Integrating a single bird is the hardest integration.

I have room for 3 for sure

How much room do you have in coop and run, in feet by feet?
Integration works best with extra space.

 

[My Three Chicks]

Integrating a single bird is the hardest integration.


How much room do you have in coop and run, in feet by feet?
Integration works best with extra space.

Hi aart. Our coop is 3'×3'. Run is 3'x9'. And extended run they spend most of the day in is 12'x30'. Attaching a photo.

The 2 girls are very docile, non- aggressive. I've actually never seen them peck at each other. The most they do is run up to each other and stop 6" apart!

 

[CluckerFamily]

Your coop is the perfect size for two chickens total. Adding any more means you will need to add onto the coop.

 

[My Three Chicks]

Your coop is the perfect size for two chickens total. Adding any more means you will need to add onto the coop.

Oh wow. It's an Omlet Eglu coop (with 9' run extension). Advertised as for up to 6 chickens. Although I think 6 would be too tight. But they are great products and brand.
https://www.omlet.us/shop/chicken_keeping/large_chicken_coop_eglu_cube/

 

[CluckerFamily]

Oh wow. It's an Omlet Eglu coop (with 9' run extension). Advertised as for up to 6 chickens. Although I think 6 would be too tight. But they are great products and brand.
https://www.omlet.us/shop/chicken_keeping/large_chicken_coop_eglu_cube/

You have to at least cut the advertised number of chickens in half for premade coops, they put those number to sell the coops not to be what is best for the flock. This coop would be able to fit 3 banty chickens nicely but not 3 standard chickens.

 

[My Three Chicks]

Oh wow. It's an Omlet Eglu coop (with 9' run extension). Advertised as for up to 6 chickens. Although I think 6 would be too tight. But they are great products and brand.
https://www.omlet.us/shop/chicken_keeping/large_chicken_coop_eglu_cube/

Also the only time they go into the coop is to sleep.

 

[aart]

The 2 girls are very docile, non- aggressive. I've actually never seen them peck at each other.

That will change when you add another bird in there.
Territoriality will bring out the worst in them and they will attack the new 'invader'.

Also the only time they go into the coop is to sleep.

What about during extreme weather?

Where in this world are you located?
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Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
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