Creating two flocks

[Rick589]

This will probably come across as a no brainer question but let’s give it a shot. Let’s say I have two roosters with only four hens (which I do), and let’s say I can’t seem to find a new home for one of the roosters (which I haven’t as of yet), and let’s say, as an option, I want to split my current flock into two and add more hens to correct the hen/rooster ratio. What would be the best way to do that knowing that the flock as it stand now is allowed to free range on a limited basis? It appears we would be looking at two separate free ranging times, and we supervise the free ranging.

 

[Rose Quartz]

Yeah, you could do it that way. If you have to start from chicks with your new hens do you have enough housing for 3 flocks? Babies wont be able to be put in with adults until at least 8 weeks 12 weeks is better. And until they're 6 months they won't really be seen as hens by the rooster.

 

[Yardmom]

Many put chicks with adults much younger than that. I have had two week old chicks in the coop with a heat mat.

 

[Yardmom]

Yes you can have two flocks. How this will look will depend on your goals and your space. Why do you want two flocks? What is your space like?

 

[Shadrach]

Many put chicks with adults much younger than that. I have had two week old chicks in the coop with a heat mat.

Most of mine are with the adults from day one but they have mothers.

 

[aart]

Many put chicks with adults much younger than that. I have had two week old chicks in the coop with a heat mat.

Yep, same here.
Much easier with the proper preparation.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

@Rick589 you are making complications rather than the obvious solution of gender imbalance issue. Winnerwinnerchickendinner.

 

[Penpal]

I think if you add more hens for the balance, the roosters will sort it out. You could split them for a time, then let them go back to being one flock with everyone knowing why they mate with.