What kind of chicken to get?

[sarahbeth827]

We lost a leghorn pullet this week and would like to get a new chicken to replace it. We currently have a Rhode Island Red, an Ameraucana and 2 ducks. They are all about 12 weeks old. Should I be worried about bringing in a new chicken? Also, what breeds get along good with the breeds we currently have?

Thanks!

 

[hokankai]

It's going to be tricky introducing now that they're 12 weeks, but it can be done with patience and proper introduction. First of all, any breed will do (Barred Rocks, Australorps, Buff Orpingtons, Brahmas, are all good and easy to find birds), but get a pair rather than a single bird so that it doesn't get picked on all by itself. Second, QUARANTINE FOR 30 DAYS before you attempt to put them together. You don't want to infect your current birds and risk them all dying if the new birds are carrying something. Third, do a search on how to introduce new birds to a flock.

Good luck!

 

[johnnyg07]

Same breeds as listed above IDE go with..... Try to stick to the same age if possible.....if you let them out for a few days put them out with the others so they see the newbies but they also have from to move around and get away if being pecked.....then if you have a way to put them in the soop Ina cage or something so they see each other but can't get at each other.....also if you introduce them at night some times they just wake up and don't realize that the new ones haven't been there the whole time ....there will most likely be no real pecking but as long as its not severe and no blood let nature take its course just keep an eye on them and good Lu cl