Knowing how to add new chickens to your flock is good information because it ’s a task that most crybaby keepers will confront in their journey . It ’s an exciting clip for wimp keepers . However , integrating new fellow member into an existing flock is a stressful time for crybaby , and if not properly managed , it can become a monumental headache for backyard poulet steward .
tenseness from overcrowding , feed bill costs , and where and when to buy are just some thing to consider before buy new crybaby . So , before doing something spontaneous , contrive ahead to help your wallet and flock modulation smoothly .
To begin , figure out when is the correct time to buy new birds . Of of course , this in the first place bet on your need . mayhap two of your elderly biddy have go on aside , or you want to expand your batch and part your own egg byplay . Or you just started keeping chickens and want to boom your plenty . domestic fowl custodian choose to increase their flocks for many reasons , but how do you know when is the right time to dissemble ?
Any of these reasons might be the right fourth dimension to enact on grow your flock . It is n’t about not increasing the birds you keep ; it ’s about doing it responsibly . So , if you ’re quick to purchase raw volaille , consider a few authoritative matter before play home your novel arriver : breed selection , gamey feed costs and more space . LINAS T / STOCK.ADOBE.COM
Breed Selection
Breed consideration is an essential part of knowing how to add young poulet to your flock . We raise poulet for many unlike reasons , including pith and eggs ( double purpose ) , pest ascendency , and company . Considering Golden Comets over White Leghorns makes sense if you ’re looking for an fantabulous egg layer with a friendly inclination . But , if a in high spirits feed - to - testicle proportion is indispensable , the leghorn might be the better option . For many poultry enthusiasts , egg color also significantly influences what breed(s ) to opt . If you want chocolatebrown bollock , get a Marans . gullible or blue egg , try an Easter Egger . Once you ’ve pick out what breed(s ) to append , it ’s time to see if they fit your heap well . Do you have a rowdy in your batch ? If yes , bring home a shy or docile stock that is easy push around , such as an Eater Eggers or Salmon Faverolles , is n’t the best option . Or if you have a flock of Polish and Silkies , bring some Rhode Island Reds to the mix could finish in disaster . Do your inquiry , and get breed that work well with each other .
Feed Costs
chicken may only consume a slight feed per bird , but adding more chicken to the raft will increase the feed consumption . If you ’re kick upstairs chickens for profit , the more snort you have , the more profit you ’ll make . However , this could position a concern for the backyard chicken - steward raising chickens simply for enjoyment .
The cost of your monthly provender bill will bet on the number of birds in the pot , the feed brand name and whether you feed organic feed . Generally , a Gallus gallus should eat about half a cup of feed day by day — vary on breed , admission to green pasture and even the fourth dimension of class , as chickens tend to eat up less in summertime and more in winter . A flock of 10 poulet will eat approximately two and a half pounds of feed day by day . However , this will variegate due to each quite a little member ’s breed , age and metabolic process . After fresh birds are add to the deal , monitor them for achiever or fallouts .
More Space in Coop & Run
A major mistake a volaille keeper can make when acquiring fresh birds is failing to have adequate space in the henhouse and run . chicken living in crowded conditions are more accentuate , have increased chance of shrink respiratory issues and other wellness problems , and are more probable to feather pickaxe , egg eat , and display other cannibalistic behaviour .
Experts suggest add at least 10 square feet in the coop , 15 square feet of run outer space , and 10 inches of perch space per hen , but giving your hiss even more place is a good estimation .
Even though our flocks care to be outsidefree - rangingas much as potential , there are times when leaving the coop is n’t a good alternative . Heavy snowstorms , high-pitched winds , hurricanes andpredatorsare all potential scenario that may require your chickens to spend a day or two inside their cozy coop . For these reasons , build a orotund cage and head for the hills than you demand will make your chickens less crabbed when they need to stay indoors .
LINAS T/STOCK.ADOBE.COM
When build the run , always plan for a larger footrace than the numeral of fowl you plan to house . This drill ensures your hens will have more access to green grass . ( This is especially important for volaille put up in a permanent running play . )
Expanding your flock may include building on your exist henhouse and political campaign , or depending on your setup , buying a separate coop and run may be the good alternative . ramp up onto the current enclosing is ordinarily the more affordable option ; however , buying might be prefer if you are n’t handy with tool .
Whether you establish or grease one’s palms is n’t as crucial as ascertain there is enough room to put up chicken without overcrowding . Always have additional housing set up and ready for the new arrivals before produce new birds .
Acquiring New Chickens
There are many ways to expatiate your flock , from purchasing chicks from the local hatchery or feed store to acquire a hen or rooster from your local beast protection . Personal predilection plays a part in deciding what choice you choose , so get ’s look over some of the popular choices .
chick : The most pop choice backyard chicken keeper choose to extend their flocks , chicks are difficult to resist with their tiny size of it , adorable look and loud cheeps . leverage chicks from a reputable source to insure bringing home some healthy plus to your peck .
Don’t Get Greedy
Getting more chicks or wimp when you do n’t have room for them causes overcrowding in the henhouse and melt and increases your flock ’s stress levels . distressed crybaby are more likely to fledge piece ( a behavior leading to cannibalism ) and can cause egg feeding or reduced bollock output .
The best way to overcome this exit is simply not giving in to “ pull in ” chickens . Let ’s look it : If you go to the feed - supply store with even the slight possibility of coming home with wench you do n’t have room for , you ’ll do it . So , get disciplined . commit me , it ’s much easier to ward off if you narrate yourself you ca n’t .
forfend provender - supply stores and other places that betray chicks during spring chick days . Buy extra feed or other necessary supply ahead of time to debar unplanned chick purchases . And stay off the hatchery internet site unless you ’re actively plan on bestow to your flock . Finally , do n’t assist poultry swaps . The temptation can be overcome , so do n’t put yourself in a military position where you wo n’t be able to baulk .
After new birds are added to the flock, monitor them for success or fallouts.
Rescue Birds
Just like dog and cats , chickens lamentably get dump on the side of the road , too . These chickens may wander into your backyard , be found in a plaza parking mint or be irregular residents at a local animal tax shelter . Rescue chicken have much to offer those need to make a conflict for chickens in need . When rescuing crybaby , take the same precautions when purchasing grownup hen to check everyone delay secure and levelheaded .
• Whether or not you buy chickens vaccinated for Marek ’s disease will count on whether your current flock is inoculate . Housing vaccinated poulet with unvaccinated volaille could result in crazy birds .
• Buy from a reputable seed . Poultry shows and swop are a great mode to play home some raw hens but also a keen way to bring home disease . buying started pullets from a reputable hatchery supporting the NPIP is a good option , as these come fully vaccinated and have been quiz to ensure they are n’t get a disease .
When creating a mixed flock, choose breeds with similar temperaments, as docile breeds tend to be bullied by more assertive breeds.JACQUELINE ANDERS/STOCK.ADOBE.COM
• Quarantine unexampled chickens for at least 30 days before interact with the resident Gallus gallus . tire out freestanding wearing apparel and shoes to tend to the new chicken during the quarantine physical process . run to the established flock first , and wash off your hands and face between interactions .
• Get them check . Before allowing the newly purchased adult hens to intermingle with the flock , have a accredited veterinary surgeon examine them for potential health concern , admit home and outside parasites . When creating a mixed flock , choose breeds with similar temperament , as docile breeds run to be bullied by more assertive breeds . JACQUELINE ANDERS / STOCK.ADOBE.COM
Integrating New Members
Despite our good feat , chickens can still drop much time spat when introduced to Modern members . Adding additional eater and waterer may ease some of the tension in the flock by providing chickens with more options to wipe out and pledge while avoiding the flock bully(s ) .
Before earmark existing and new flock members to mingle , allow chickens to get to know each other through opposite sides of the fencing . Doing so enable your flock to establish the newfangled pecking order and smoothly transition . insert young members in a run versus the coop is another way to reduce pecking order issues .
Often , it can take several introductions before your flock will accept unexampled member . With patience and ample distance , your chicken will soon adjust to their unexampled tidy sum mates , bringing harmony to the coop .
