Who should join my girls?

[Bananafish79]

I had three Comet hens, one sadly passed a few weeks ago and I don’t know why. Another hen had cocci but the Corid got her back in shape. We would like to add one chicken. I’ve had great success with Rent-a-coop for pullets as they raise them to be very friendly. Should I stick with comets to add a third? Or could anyone recommend another breed that might get along with my girls. I’m in eastern PA and wouldn’t introduce a new hen until Spring. I’ll take any advice.

 

[Offshoreorca]

I don't have much experience with hybrids/breeds that are normally used for conventional laying (I've raised heritage), but it can be hard on chickens to just add one to the coop. If you can have a pair, I would add as a pair. Definitely get a breed/type with a similar temperament as anything too docile would likely be harshly bullied. Sticking with the same type wouldn't hurt. And make sure to quarantine them before you put them together

 

[aart]

I had three Comet hens, one sadly passed a few weeks ago and I don’t know why. Another hen had cocci but the Corid got her back in shape. We would like to add one chicken. I’ve had great success with Rent-a-coop for pullets as they raise them to be very friendly. Should I stick with comets to add a third? Or could anyone recommend another breed that might get along with my girls. I’m in eastern PA and wouldn’t introduce a new hen until Spring. I’ll take any advice.

So you rented the coop and birds.......do you now own them all?

Adding single bird is the most difficult integration.

 

[CluckerFamily]

I agree that adding one bird is the most difficult integration.
You have to keep the bird isolated to make sure they aren’t going to transfer any disease to your flock and then doing a see but no touch integration can take some time.
Does your coop allow for a see but no touch integration? I normally put a chicken wire wall up on the coop to do this.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Should I stick with comets to add a third?

If you are happy with your Comets, why change? If you are not happy with Comets. why are you not happy? What do you want different? What do you want similar?

We all have our own preferences and goals. What I prefer is certain to be different from what you prefer as your goals are different or you would have more and one would be a boy. I don't know your goals or preferences so I can't begin to suggest a specific breed. If you can tell us what you like and don't like about your Comets maybe I could.

Here are a couple of breed selectors that might help you make a decision if you are not happy with your Comets.

http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/which-breed-is-right-for-me.aspx

http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/chick_selector.html

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Agree with others to add a pair and not a single bird. Then they have a buddy. I sell my birds, from chicks on up, in minimum pairs for that reason.