Baby chicks or 16 weeks

[Tami R]

I had three 6 month old chickens that I raised from chicks. I lost two in the same week and am down to one very lonely chicken. She follows me or my dog around constantly. I am going to replace the two that I lost and am wondering if I should get baby chicks or the 16 week old ones. My chickens are more pets than anything and are very comfortable being held, etc. I’m hoping to have the same with the newer chicks so wanted babies again. But worried the Meatball will be lonely while we wait for the chicks to grow.

 

[sourland]

While the chicks are growing, you could always give her a mirror for 'company'.

 

[Tami R]

I should clarify my question. Im wondering if it is recommended to get baby chicks or 16 week pullets?

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I would get pullets. Choose a "friendly" breed and don't worry so much about them being sociable with you as being sociable with your hen. Once you have had them a while you can worry about getting them comfortable with being held. In my experience raising a bird from chick doesn't necessarily guarantee that. I don't even worry about that kind of thing until my chicks are grown enough to eat scraps anyway so I don't see any reason you can't get pullets. I think it would actually be best.

 

[Tami R]

I would get pullets. Choose a "friendly" breed and don't worry so much about them being sociable with you as being sociable with your hen. Once you have had them a while you can worry about getting them comfortable with being held. In my experience raising a bird from chick doesn't necessarily guarantee that. I don't even worry about that kind of thing until my chicks are grown enough to eat scraps anyway so I don't see any reason you can't get pullets. I think it would actually be best.

Thank you so much

 

[rosemarythyme]

I would go with chicks strictly from a biosecurity standpoint. At 16 weeks she will not be more accepting of newcomers regardless of age, so you will still need to integrate in any new birds.