Adding new chickens in a flock

[COCOmaran]

Hello,
I have 12 grown up hens and 7 weeks old pullets that I need to introduce to the older ones. I have a couple of questions.
1. I plan to bring the young ones at night to the coop. And in the morning, when I let my chickens out, do I let them out too? Will they find their way back?
2. If they get used to free range, will they lay eggs where the old ones are laying now (nesting boxes in the coop)?
3. If I can't let them out right away, do I keep all the birds in the run? Then, how long?
Thanks!

 

[CindyinSD]

The grown ones may hurt the little pullets if you just toss them in there at night. If you can put them in the coop inside a dog crate or other large cage, that would be better. Or you might be able to section off a portion of the coop with chicken wire for the little ones. After they've been there 3-4 days, open the door to the cage just big enough for the pullets to slip out. Prop it like that. That way the littles can get out, but if the bigs try to peck them, they can run back into the crate. The bigs can't follow because the door will be too tight for them. Make sure you prop it securely.

Don't let the little ones leave the run, though. They need to imprint on the coop/run. That could take 2-3 weeks.

 

[COCOmaran]

Thank you for your advice. But, I am not sure if I can section the coop. However, I have an extra coop that I wanted to use for another flock coming in May. If I keep these 7 weeks old in the extra coop for 6 weeks, considering they would become 13-14 weeks old and bigger, would they big enough to depend themselves when I move them back to the original flock? Thanks!

 

[aart]

Thank you for your advice. But, I am not sure if I can section the coop. However, I have an extra coop that I wanted to use for another flock coming in May. If I keep these 7 weeks old in the extra coop for 6 weeks, considering they would become 13-14 weeks old and bigger, would they big enough to depend themselves when I move them back to the original flock? Thanks!

How big are these coops, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help here.

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/