Adding on to The Flock

[Perocore]

We have three 3 month old hens who we recently brought into the flock, when they are outside with the older hens they all get along, but will they get along locked in the coop together? We've been keeping them outside in a crate at night, afraid the older hens may peck them to death, our rooster is really protective of them, but I don't know if we can keep them all together at night, anyone know what to do, or when we can have them together forever (

)?

Thanks,
Pero

 

[Happy Chooks]

How long have they been interacting during the day? If it's been a week or 2, then put the new ones in the coop at night. There will probably be some chasing/bullying, but that's normal as they establish their new pecking order. Be prepared to be without eggs for about a week too. The older ones will go on strike.

 

[Perocore]

Quote:
They've only been together for 3-4 days, thanks for the help!

 

[midget_farms]

Put them in the coop after dark - the other hens wont notice & you shouldn't have any problems. Especially if they already get along outside.