Need HELP with chicken introduction or coop to small?

[1DLuna]

Question, I purchased 2 new hens and I’m trying to introduce them to my 3 other hens. I just sort of threw them all together as I think I have a big enough yard for them to run away if they needed to. The 3 other hens won’t allow the new 2 hens to go into the hen house at night.. should I wait until they allow them or should I physically put the other 2 at night in the hen house? They new hens have been sleeping on perches in the run they’re kinda hard to see but not in the hen house. Picture of my ladies and the coop… the other picture is my 2 new hens. I’m trying to figure out if my coop is too small maybe or should I go purchase maybe a small coop to attach or is it normal for new hens not to be allowed in the hen house until they are accepted? New hen ma and searching for advice!

 

[aart]

I’m trying to figure out if my coop is too small

Yes, way too small for more than 2 birds, definitely too small for integration.

is it normal for new hens not to be allowed in the hen house until they are accepted

Yes, it is.

You need a much larger coop, then here's some tips about.....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[1DLuna]

Omg really??!! My hens are mostly free range and we let them out before sunrise and I have a total of 4 nesting boxes and 2 large perches inside. When the 3 hens go in seems like they still have a lot of room to fit. But, will totally need to upgrade asap. Chicken math I decided to buy a chicken coop online but I think we might just have to build one asap!

 

[aart]

Omg really??!! My hens are mostly free range

Don't feel too bad, its a very common newbie error.
Free ranging is great unless you live in a harsh climate or if/when predators find you,
then you'll need larger secure housing day and night.
If you keep chickens long term that tiny coop may come in very handy for isolation housing.

 

[1DLuna]

Don't feel too bad, its a very common newbie error.
Free ranging is great unless you live in a harsh climate or if/when predators find you,
then you'll need larger secure housing day and night.
If you keep chickens long term that tiny coop may come in very handy for isolation housing.

I live in Los Angeles, CA. Thanks so much for the advice!

 

[aart]

I live in Los Angeles, CA

Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!