This morning my husband I are were crushed to learn that our 4.5 month old Columbian Wyandotte had died last night due to what we think was heat exhaustion. We have two other chickens, RR and Buff, same age. We would like to get two more chickens. What age should we look for? Same age as the current ones or get baby chickens? Our preference is to have ones that can be outside in our coop with the others. Thoughts?
Also, if you have two chickens that you are looking to send to a good home, please let us know.
--Morning Mother
Replies
As for what to get, you can go either way, really. This is what I've learned from our flocks:
When you introduce chickens of different ages or flocks they always stay as separate flocks to some degree, but they do learn to live together.
They need to be introduced slowly. Older birds are known to pick young ones to death, and birds from separate flocks can be aggressive when they vie for position. A certain amount of "pecking order" behavior is to be expected. Keep them in separate spaces, but next to each other so they can see each other and learn each others' voices. Over time you can remove the barrier. You'll know when it's time by observing their behavior, and if they get aggressive after the introduction, you can always separate them out for a while longer.
If you go with chicks, set up their area next to or inside the coop, and then wait until they are eating pellets like the older birds. By then they'll be pretty well accepted. We even introduced turkeys to the chicken flock this way.
Hi Maggie,
Good - you might measure the water depth, though, it should be deep enough that it covers their feet and up the legs some. As Sheri said, the heat is intense right now, and still air can keep it keep the temps up. What is your shade made of? Natural like trees or shrubs or shade cloth? If shade cloth, the density can be a factor in keeping the heat IN, as opposed to keep it cool. Wish you luck on your new ones.