Adding an older hen to the mix?

[Dooney]

I have three 4 and a half week old Barred Rocks and am thinking of adding a year old hen to the mix. Am I crazy? Will this be more trouble then it's worth? The BR are still in a brooder in my sunroom but they spend nice days out in their coop.

 

[Justso]

I'm sure there are others who know from experience, but I would think it's much easier to add an single older hen to younger chicks than the other way around. She'll be able to dominate them and they'll be able to keep away from her as a group. Much much better than having one young hen getting beat up by multiple older chickens. unless you know very well where she came from, you should practice good quarantine methods and keep her separated for a while. If you're familiar with where she came from I'd get her into the coop and do a see but no touch intro with the chicks.