adding hens

[Dorner]

I have a rooster and three hens. I am planning to add 3 2 year old hens- what is the best way to do this?
During the day they roam my yard and they are in the coop at night.

 

[Happy Chooks]

If you can rig a temporary set up where they can see each other but not fight for about a week, it would be best. Is your coop big enough to fit a dog crate in at night for the new hens? Then you could just put some temporary fencing for the daytime.

After they have a chance to get used to each other, slip the new hens on the roost at night. There will be squabbling as they find the new pecking order, but as long as there's not blood, let them work it out. It should settle down after 2 weeks.