i absolutely see no flaws at all in your plan, because it's been my flock philosophy since i got my first chickens 8 yrs ago - and it has worked out wonderfully.
even the slight trouble i had at first in acquiring
just a few chickens a year worked itself out - i found it really easy to find other chicken people and they all seem to have a few chicks when i need them. i've had chickens live to old age, and young ones just up and die for no obvious reason. i've lost a few to hawks & snakes. flock numbers & ratios of old/prime/young hens are always changing.

my oldest girls are 5 & 6 yrs old, and they're still laying eggs - slowed down from their more robust egg-producing years, yes - but not retired. i've had an average of 20 chickens at any given time, of varying
ages, and i usually have to give eggs to my neighbors because i have too many, and i use lots!

i think everyone's got their own approach to roosters. i currently have one that i detest and i'm giving him away at the first opportunity. i've had roosterless times over the years and the hens do just fine without them. doesn't effect egg laying in any way. since i get my chicks from other sources, i'll probably never have another rooster.
and of course, my girls have a good home for life :)

good luck with your flock.
you have a viable plan.
marsha

I would never do it, because when I keep hens it is on a large commercial scale, and I buy young pullets and sell them on to people like yourself after a year. Having said that, I agree with Marsha that there is no reason why it should not work. You will not need new birds every year either unless you want to spend money producing more eggs than you can use. Depending on losses, every 2nd or 3rd year might be enough. Obviously there is no need for you to have a rooster, and I would heartily recommend you do not. They do the hens no good at all, in fact are detrimental to smaller and older birds, and are only necessary for those who want to breed replacements. Old McDonald.

Your plan is viable but you have no need for a rooster. If you have a no-kill policy you don't want to be raising your own chicks because at least fifty percent of them will be male and then what are you going to do? It is hard to find homes for them and you don't need them harassing the hens, as young cockerels will once they get to that age.

Follow your plan, buy just a few pullet chicks each year and you should do fine.

I had a cute little hen for 12 years.Her feet were all knarled but she piddled around the farm.The neighbors dog killed her along with about 6 others.She was a Rhode Island red

You could start out with a few chicks--make sure they're sexed pullets!! (or young hens if someone is giving some away)

Then each yr get a few new pullet chicks. (feed store, neighbor) Don't get a rooster if you don't want to raise your own chicks--including more roosters.

I agree with what everyone here is saying, I myself have a mixed flock of all types, sizes, ages and breeds, and they are doing great. :) The community that forms in a chicken flock is fascinating.

Most chicken breeds have their best laying span from the age of around 6 months old to the age of 2 1/2 to 3 years old. After that the egg laying will gradually taper off, eventually pretty much ceasing at around age 6-8 years, although I've had older hens that will lay 5 or 6 eggs a year--just to keep their hand in, I guess...*L* The average lifespan of a chicken is about 8-13 years, depending of course on the breed, general health, how well you feed and house them, etc. You can expect some losses to predators, illnesses and dumb accidents. Be especially alert to illnesses, as birds, even chickens, tend not to show that they are ill until they are REALLY sick. A good rule of thumb is to spend a few minutes every day, morning and evening, observing your flock to both learn what their 'normal' behaviour is and catch any illness or injuries right away. It really does pay off in the long run.

I've had hens both with and without a roo, and I've decided to always have a roo in with my girls--it's purely for their happiness and to make them feel more like a true flock and family unit, and on the side to continue blood lines that I want to produce more of. Pick a breed known for sweetness and a calm manner and you'll have a better chance of getting a keeper, but on the other hand don't hesitate to get rid of a nasty roo--life is too short and both you and your girls need to feel safe around the rooster. Make sure you maintain a good ratio of roos to hens, you don't want the girls overused.

Also, you'll need to plan for introducing new, young birds to your established flock and learn how to gradually introduce the birds and handle the inevitable pecking order rountine that will go on. If you click on my 'My Page' link there is tons of chicken info there, including on how I hold what I call 'Meet & Greets' for new additions to the flock.

There is a market for older, retired hens in some cultures, people want to buy them for eating. I beleive it is a health/longevity thing...

You can usually find chickens for sale a few at a time in your area; check the feed store, the animal shelter, eggbid.com, local breeders, etc.

Have fun with your flock! :)

Velvet ~:>

Kublackbird,

the only risk that I don't think was mentioned is biosecurity. Any time you introduce a new bird from a different farm you also run a risk of bringing in a "bug" to your flock. Each farm has their own immunity to existing viruses diseases etc. so bringing in new birds every so often could also potentially bring in a problem. This risk may be low but it is something you want to at least be aware of so you can be prepared.

You will love having chickens! they are a joy to have :)

Sheila

Here is a link that might be useful: biosecurity

Sheila is right about the need for biosecurity. It is something that many people with a backyard flock overlook. Once your initial chickens are established, the safest way to bring in new birds is with day-old chicks. If one of your hens goes broody, you can let her sit on dummy eggs (golf balls work!) and then when you have the new chicks, slip them under her at night. She will be ever such a proud mommy in the morning.

If you bring in older birds it is best to keep them separate for at least week. Avoid handling and feeding the new birds and then going directly to your established flock. Wash well, change your shoes etc. first. Or better still, care for your own flock first, then the newcomers.

Thanks everyone--it's good to know I'm on the right track!

I just lost a longish response, and will not chance it again. Disagree with above. Problem is your diseases/local bugs to newcomers, not vice versa. Buy pullets with a bit of age, say 3 months, not day olds. Always deal with the youngest birds/animals on a farm first, then the older stock. Large livestock, such as ready to work bulls, are a totally different matter to bringing in new chickens. In that case you DO isolate and deal with last. Old McDonald.

I see what you are getting at, Old McDonald, but I'm not sure I agree. Sooner or later the newcomers have to get used to the "family germs" in the chicken yard. If there was anything REALLY lethal there, would the owner not know about it?

Day-old chicks are much less likely to bring disease into the flock than older ones where one has no control over how they were cared for or what diseases they may carry.

With older birds, it makes sense to me to isolate the UNKNOWN birds for the protection of the birds one already has.

If one is worried about day-olds being vulnerable to the "local bugs", perhaps it would be better to raise them under a heat lamp in a brooder and introduce them to the flock when they are older. The main reason I don't recommend this approach is my observation - admittedly a small sample - that BROODY-raised chicks are better "citizens" than BROODER-raised ones.

i think kublackbird plans on a smallish roosterless flock, if i understood her post correctly. if she goes with bantams, then day-old chicks aren't sexed. she'll end up having to waste feed and time on chicks, half of which may be roosters she doesn't want. if she goes with heavies, and sexed day-old chicks, she'll have to contend with minimum orders of 25+, which might be ok for her initial start-up - although, 25 heavies is a whole lotta chickens & will be way too many eggs for personal consumption.

where i'm going with this is, we small flockers do best with acquiring sexed pullets through friends or feed stores we do business with. chicken people talk, and we know where the good chicks are, as well as sources that are questionable. we do know the care and conditions of the chickens we get this way. i totally understand the importance of biosecurity in large commercial operations where disease could wipe out an entire money-making population. but for small hobby/egg flocks, it's sufficient, in my opinion, to just know the folks you get them from and to have observed the environments the new chicks/pullets have come from. it's been my experience that backyard chicken folks take amazingly good care of their birds & provide clean, healthy environments. we *name* them for pete's sake! i've never had any problems with new chickens infecting the regulars, or vice-versa. this biosecurity debate is probably confusing & scaring kublackbird, who only wants a few chickens to name and fresh eggs for breakfast :)

:) thanks for that chappelhillgardener, you understood me perfectly--I think you're right about acquiring from local sources (mostly because I too have looked at the minimum orders and I think 25 to start with would be biting off more than I can chew, not to mention it would screw with my Happy Hen Retirement Home).

I have lovebirds now, so I think I understand something about the concerns for bringing in disease (we do a little scrubdown when coming home from the pet store before handling or going near the birds--same idea, be careful of strange germs).

Since I seem to have stumbled into a pretty knowledgable group--what do you know about different breeds of chickens? (yeah that's a really broad question, I know!) I've been creating a little 'imaginary flock' on my blog (see link), which has pictures of some of the breeds I'm interested in. All are reputedly good layers (and gorgeous to boot!). Any words of wisdom?

Here is a link that might be useful: Imaginary Chickens

kublackbird -
we can all write for days about our favorite/least favorite breeds ... i tend to go with the old-fashioned
breeds my grandmother used to have - just a personal
preference and a bit of a connection to my grandmother :)
i talked to lots of people, poured over hatchery catalogs, and searched the internet compulsively - and still in a fog about selecting breeds.

then, i went to the poultry exhibit at our state fair. hands-down, that was the best thing i could have done, and i highly recommend you try to do the same. hundreds of breeds right there in living color for you to see, with their proud owners who are pleased as can be to talk about their birds, all day if you want :) from one visit to the fair, i made GREAT local contacts with other small flock people & some terrific 4-h kids, and they have been my source for new chicks, and information, ever since.

Maggie, there are a large number of sub clinical (to the resident population) problems that would kill a day old chick, but obviously have no effect on adult birds that have an immunity. Infectious bronchitis is one to start with. You could have a whole flock full of carriers and never know about it. Old McDonald.

That's interesting, Old McDonald. You know me, always ready to learn something new. I'm not trying to be difficult, but I do have two further questions:

1. My flock was raised from day-old (incubator) chicks from a breeder who has stringent biosecurity. There have so far been no additions except their own chicks, raised by broody hens. If the birds have never been sick could they still be carriers?

2. Are day-old chicks from outside more suseptible to these diseases than ones hatched by my broodies from their own eggs? That is: is immunity passed along to my chicks even before it is hatched? (If not, I must be very fortunate... my hens have never lost a chick after the hatch.)

Always good to have the benefit of your great experience, Old McD. Thanks!

First, I am not a vet as you know, but:-

1. I would say, yes. On the basis that any bird running free (or even an open topped pen) could be infected by any avian problem carried by wild birds. Having said that, whilst on the Black Isle we were on the flight path of migratory geese in spring and autumn, plus many thousands overwintering. We did not acquire any problems that were noticeable.

2. I do not know, but I would guess there is no difference in susceptibility. You can probably get some info by web searches on other species, and I think some animals pass on immunity to some diseases whilst in vitrio.

Maybe your flock is entirely free of any really problematic diseases so it does not matter whether you mix newcomers (if they are similarly disease free) or deal with chicks last. You know the old saying "if it ain't broke..." so if you have a system that works - stick with it.

OT. Someday you will receive something...When???? We have been paid in part! Old McDonald.

Thanks, Old McDonald... Nice to know there are one or two things you are not sure about regarding chickens... Ha-ha.

Looking forward to hearing from you regarding your somewhat crytic message... it sounds like good news!

Kublackbird... sorry about hijacking your thread... And best luck with your chickens when you get them. You'll love them and learn a lot.

~ Maggie

I like your imaginary flock! :) Especially the Chamois Campines....oooh, are they pretty! Great, another breed to add to MY 'wish list'...*L*

Are you leaning towards bantams, full-size birds, or a mix of both? In banties: If you like that style of little, pretty bird, take a look at Seramas. They are absolutely adorable, and get rave reviews from people I know that own them. Another beautiful breed are Silkies--sweet, calm and great brooders--ditto for cochins (banties or full-size).

As for standard size breeds: Last weekend at the fair I saw some HUGE black full-size cochins that were the size of small dogs...I mightily resisted stuffing one under my shirt and trying to sneak it out claiming I was pregnant. *L* I also have Buff Orpingtons on my wish list. Americaunas, both hens and roos, are very sweet and friendly. Polish have a reputation as skittish, but I attribute that to the fact that they can't SEE anything until it's right in front of their faces--that would make ME jump, too! *L* I've solved this in my three Polish girls by simply trimming a few feathers around their eyes with scissors--no more skittishness! I think the Polish are great, very friendly and amusing.

As far as breeds I've had that I'd avoid in the future--White Leghorns are great layers, but are not known for brains or personality. Rhode Island Reds can be mean in groups, RIR roos can also be mean to both chickens and people. I've had single Silver Laced Wyandottes with no problem, but other people say that they are mean in groups. Banty roos are usually full of spunk and personality, but occassionally can be mean--it's a gamble but worth a try, because when you get a good banty roo he's great.

I'd point you to Feathersite, but it looks like you've already found them, aren't they great? It's like Chickens R Us...."I want one of these, two of those...some of those..."

As to the biosecurity issue, I agree that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It sure beats kicking yourself later. Also different parts of the world, even different parts of the US are going to be vastly divergent in the amount of naturally occurring organisms that can cause disease in birds--the preventative measures that work for me might not work for you, and Old Hazza over in Portugal may have to follow even more stringent procedures.

Velvet ~:>

One word of advice I wish i'd been given--stick with the smaller breeds, either bantams, or full sized chickens, and dont get too many.
I bought pullets, both ornamental and brown egg layers.I have a lot(LOT) of black, and white giants, got them on may 16, they still arent laying, and are eating me out of house and home!I spent over $100. last month on feed.
but, velvet sparrow, i know you'll appreciate this, yesterday, i saw my bantam white sultan rooster whipping the white giant full sized rooster!heres a lil fella, size of your hand, hanging onto a full sized giant roosters wattles--and the 6 # white giant trying to get away!

I have two California whites, 3 red sex link, and 1 feather footed dominicker?

The California whites lay an egg a day, my red sex link lays almost everyday, but not always, the feather footed has not layed yet, I don't think, and the two younger reds are still too young to lay, although they are only 3 months younger than the other four. All the chickens are very very tame except the last two reds we got. I contribute this to the fact that they were not handled near as much as the original four were. My first four we handled daily and now when I open the door to their chicken coop the come right out pecking around in the yard. When I want them to go back in I call them like a dog. My son named all of them and one of thems name is Lucy. All I have to do is start calling LUCY come on LUCY and they all come back into the coop, the two younger ones following.

In regards to eggs, we love brown eggs but the california whites are consistent layers for us so far and layed at the earliest age of 18 weeks old. Maybe the reds will become more consistent when they are older next year. The california whites are suppose to continue laying well into winter also. We'll see.

Also, keep in mind we purchased 14 sexed pullets supposedly, well I gave my friend four and kept 10. Two of her four are roosters, and 3 of our ten were roosters that we already got rid of due to them molesting my poor hens to the point their combs were bleeding. The other one A coyote got before I gave him away.

Maggie - and everyone else, there are innumerable things I do not know about poultry. The number I have owned in the last 50 odd years is a fair bit short of 100,000. Apart from that wee bit of experience, and what my father and other people taught me about their experiences, plus a fairly substantial library, a weekly poultry magazine read from cover to cover for 20 odd years, and long involved conversations over a few pints, I have not acquired any information. What I do know is that there are a lot of naive people posting to this forum, and being given what I will only term "suspect" advice by others who have even less knowledge than me. Quite frankly I am rather inclined to cease participating. I think everyone should be well aware by now of my "pet" topic of too much calcium. I have read what are currently all the posts above this one (obviously that will change before I even finish this, but you get the point) and I feel sorry for the birds - and a couple of goats. I make immediate decisions on whether an animal or bird is likely to survive without suffering too much pain, if in doubt consulting with my wife, and it is then either put out of its misery or one of us takes responsibility for nursing it back to health. I think from memory that the longest was a calf down for 17 days that my wife tended, and eventually it made very good eating.

OT again Maggie (and apologies to the original poster) I will knock together the remaining first draft of my epistle sometime soon and post it to you. Finishing it is a very long way off now - I am pleased to say. Old McDonald.

Old McDonald - I couldn't resist teasing you a bit there... but I have immense respect for your vast experience and knowledge -- and about 90% of the time I agree with your advice.

Please don't stop participating... we would really miss you and your help. I know things have been a bit "slow" here lately and it would be nice if people new to the forum read all the posts on their type of livestock so they did not so often repeat questions that was just mentioned a week or two previously, but usually the discussions pick up in the winter when people have a bit more time. Looking forward to your epistle!

~ Maggie

hi old mcdonald -
i wonder how many *experts* in any given subject even participate in forums such as this? it's been my impression that, with few exceptions (such as yourself), we're all amateurs in our areas of interest here - that is not to discount the great value of actual experience we've had with a plant, a goat or a flock of chickens, by any means. but, i think the naivete you refer to is more the result of a question being posted to an open internet forum when it should be asked of a veterinarian, or a horticulturist. so, questions are answered by folks with experience & and some general knowledge - however flawed, scientifically or technically, those answers may be. i don't think the intent of these forums is that they be used as a substitute for professional advice when it's called for. there's just too much expert-generated information readily available online, or by picking up the phone and calling the local ag extension office. but they are a useful piece of the knowledge pie :)

don't let your frustration with mis-information drive you away ... your advice & participation can do a great deal to combat the naivete.

marsha