Advice for Introducing new hens and new rooster (separate sources, all adults)

[Victoria-nola]

Ok, due to a series of events, I'm introducing 3 new hens and a new rooster to my 4 existing hens (lost 3 hens in last month). The new hens are already on the premises, being kept separately, and the two groups can see each other and interact some through hardware cloth. (yes, I didn't quarantine)

I am giving my current rooster to a friend who wants an aggressive rooster, and I am bringing in a new 2-year-old (blue Ameracauna for my EE girls). The old rooster will be leaving this week, after which I will bring the new rooster onto the premises.

Should I wait to introduce the hens to the old hens until the new rooster is also on the premises and do it all at once, or should I go ahead and introduce the hens to each other and then bring in the rooster a few days later? I feel like it would be better to wait on the new hens until the old rooster is gone so they don't have to get accustomed to him and then have him leave in a couple days, for sure.

Advice wanted.

 

[Aunt LoLo]

I would let them all get acquainted at once, when you are home to keep an eye on things. We introduced a new batch of hens, and everybody did just fine. Getting rid of an aggressive rooster at the same time is a smart move.