Lots of people do add adult hens to their flocks. Personally, I prefer not to because of the danger of bringing in disease. If I want to add birds of a different breed, my preference is to buy day-old chicks. There is very little danger to my existing flock that way. But everyone must assess the degree of risk for himself.

Why not consider letting one of your hens raise chicks? Unless there are new breeds you are very interesting in trying, raising chicks under a broody hen is a great way to do it: free, no heat lamps, plus the joy of seeing those fuzzy little heads pop out from under mama's wing. The only downside is that about half of the chicks will be cockerels... so have a plan for them when they mature.

I like Buff Orpingtons. They are a good all-round breed.. brown egg layers, pretty color, good mothers, & friendly.

I like Buff's too, they are very sweet calm birds. For laying I think my americauna's have the best track record. My Marans are laying well too.

Mixing a flock has it's challenges but I agree if you raise chicks there is less risk of bringing in diseases.

-Sheila

ps. I waited until my chicks were full grown before introducing them to my adult birds.

Maybe I'll let them sit on some then...I'm just sure of how? Do I leave them in the nest,then remove the freshest layed when she's layed enough? How many do I leave in her nest before taking the fresh ones? I only want about 4-5 chicks ,I know this decreases my chances of actually having hens though and not cockerals! And would my roo hurt the chicks??

I am ordering a good variety of chicks in a few weeks from McMurray.
Buff Orphintons are generally the quietest and nicest.
I am also getting Dominiques, NH reds, Partridge rock, Black Austrolorp, Siver lace & Gold lace Wyandottes,and a Speckled Sussex Roo.
Has anyone ever had a Speckled Sussex Roo?
I think this is the variety my grandmother had when I was little, and it was always perched up on a fence, ever watching, but never mean or anything.
After hearing about some of the experiences that a few of you in this forum have with your roos, I am a bit wary.
I would hate to have to paint it pink! LOL

But our fox is still out and about in the back acreage, and I would feel better with a roo to protect the flock.
So far the fox has left all the animals alone, although I did see it pacing back and forth near the fenceline into the actual yard one day last week.
The fox is gorgeous, losing it's silvery winter coat, it is a red fox, and big!

I also have Marans and love them, but they are getting a bit older now. Stewpot and fricasee. When I introduce grown hens in with the flock, I quarantine them for several weeks in a separate area. I also sacrifice one of my current hens for the guinea pig. I put her in and see if she gets the sniffles or runny poops. I have never had a problem fortunately. I do not do it often. Also pick them up and check for mites. annoying buggers.
As for breeds, I am partial to Black Langshans. Gorgeous birds. I also love Welsummers and Blue Andalusians. I am never gonna have another Barred Rock hen or rooster tho. Hens complain and nag. Noisy. And my roo is viscious. Kinda funny in that bleedy wounds kinda way. I keep meaning to do him in as well. Good luck to you.

Songbirdmummy, I had a Speckled Sussex roo. He was super. I won't say he never went after anyone (he hated to see bare legs) but in general he was pretty mellow. Great with the hens too. We lost him to complications from severe frostbite last winter and to avoid the same thing happening again, we switched to Dominiques because they have a rose comb. Our new rooster, Henry, is every bit as good a flock rooster as Napoleon was.