Hi there
I'm new to BYC also, but not new to raising chickens.
I have Rhode Island Reds and We built a beautiful perch for them from a branch, natural wood is supposed to be more comfy for their feet.
But they did not seem to start using it until right before they started laying eggs, and that...
Sounds like you have some "mean girls" in that flock (kidding).
Chickens tend to be sort of territorial about their yard and coop. I have never added chickens to a flock that was already established. I did however, try adding a couple of goslings to the chicken yard and it was a complete...