Age to get hens?

[becslb]

We are just about at the point of being able to get some new hens to add to our "flock" (just need to provide sheltered area in new run and some "fun" stuff!). While I was looking at the various places round us who sell hens, I noticed that some places sell hens at 8 weeks and then at POL. The 8 weekers are generally cheaper but I appreciate that they will take longer to lay and hence that is where the cost is made up. But.. could 8 weekers be introduced to my existing 2 and live outside straight away or would POL hens be better?

Just curious!

[Suechooks]

If you've already got adults, you really need to get POL as the older ones will bully the new ones and 8 week old would be less likely to be able to deal with it. They can be nasty pasties when they get in bully mode!

[Scarlet]

I would go for POL - the 8 weekers will need to be on growers pellets, not layers pellets. The little ones will not be able to defend themselves as well as the older ones - older hens can be quite brutal to the newbies!

[Scarlet]

Sue - you got in before me!!

[becslb]

good point! doesn't make any difference to me tbh.. was just curious!

thanks for your replies