Yep. We only need to add 4 to the flock but I got 8 "just in case" and had a 100% survival rate which I suspect is due to their being locally hatched. Posted on Craigslist to find coops for the four extras but I am not happy about it.Was only going to pick-up a couple chicks this year.....ended-up with 15. No longer allowed to go to the feed store unattended.
You know, they would probably be ok, but they can get bullied pretty bad form the full-grown chickens. When you add them, it disturbs the pecking order they have already established. Even though these new chicks aren't a threat, the chickens still need to drive the point home that they are dominant. One option I've heard is to get them a container, --like a rubbermaid tub-- and cut a hole out that the young birds can fit through, but the large ones can't. This way, if the youngsters have any trouble and want a break, they have a safe place to hang out. Start them in this container so that they know it's there.
