2 vs 3 chicks - big difference when it comes to integration?

[My Three Chicks]

I have 6 beloved hens ranging from 2 to 4 yrs old. I can have up to 8 chickens here in Seattle, although I’m sure I can get away with 9 (haven’t seen any chicken patrol snooping around ).

I’m so excited about getting a couple of chicks this spring. I really only want 2 more to equal 8. It’s just solo me here and for some reason 9 sounds overwhelming, where 8 sounds manageable

Found a local feed store that has a minimum purchase of only 2!

My only concern/worry is whether integrating 2 vs 3 is a lot harder for the newbies. Thoughts/experience please?

I previously integrated 3 chicks with 3 hens. I had no issues at all. But this time they’ll be ‘outnumbered’ 3 to 1. I do have a very strong integration plan that includes a lot of space and time (kept them side by side for a month once chicks moved outdoors!).

Also put aside the fact that I know with 2 chicks there’s a chance 1 could die or end up as a roo.

Do you think integrating 2 is ok (from the chicks perspective )?

Thanks for reading. I tend to be long winded

 

[rosemarythyme]

Probably ok with 2 but as you note, if one passes away then it's a solo integration which is tougher. That said, I used to compensate with an extra chick "just in case" and then never had one pass once I had that mindset, so I always ended up with an extra.

Do you have neighbors or friends with a flock? You could perhaps consider rehoming the extra bird if needed, if you want to make sure that you end up with at least 2.