Adding new hens to the "flock"

[jjdent]

At present, my "flock" consists of a pair of Australorps. I've got three new hens and am wondering what is the best way to introduce them to the other two. They free-range and have a coop they go into at night.

 

[Peplers chicks]

most prob people will not agree on thos one, but I say "let nature takes control" I only intervene when I see there is going to be bloodbath, or maybe they keep on fighting

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

The most usual way to introduce new flock members is to let them get to know each other on opposite sides of a fence for a week or so, then put them together.

In this case, as long as the chickens are all physically the same size (ish) then I think you can put them together all at once. I say this because your current chickens will be outnumbered by the new girls, and probably won't be able to really pick on just one. Keep an eye on them, though. Also, have you looked at the BYC Learning Center? There are lots of articles that might help you, and I know there's one about integrating new birds.