Am I doing this right?

[Pattis Hens]

I need advice on introducing two new chickens to my flock. I have two 5 month old Dominiquers and two 5 month old Buck Eyes. I have had them for about a month, so I did not raise them from chicks. Today I acquired two year old Cochins, a Blue and a Silver Lace. My coop is 7X9 with an enclosed run, the same size. The initial reaction between all of them was curiosity filled, but I just check in the coop and my original four are up in their usual roosting spots and my new girls are down, huddled in the corner. Is this normal? I know it will take a few days for them to "warm up" to each other. Did I make a mistake??

 

[niamhblond]

You should keep the new girls in a separate coop with in eye distance for around three weeks to warm up and get to know each other . But since you've jumped in straight away don't worry this is normal they will eventually settle in but until then keep an eye on feather picking and bullying . To avoid this problem Ive found that it helps to get a rooster to keep order but thats just me .
Good Luck

 

[aart]

Well, some folks do the see no touch at first, but it can work the way you did it also.

Keep a close eye on them, there will be some pecking and squabbling but as long as there is no blood drawn or none's trapped and really stressed out you can let them work it out. Having multiple feed/water stations and plenty of room can help.

Do some reading on integration for other's experiences.
advanced search>titles only>integration

 

[Pattis Hens]

Thank you for taking the time to reply! I unfortunately just have one coop, so I guess I just need to be patient. I have the new girls in the coop right now, with the door shut and my other girls in the run. Since they were having trouble going into the run I wanted to make sure they had a chance for some food and water in peace. They are up on the roosts, at least they aren't in the corner anymore. It's hasn't been 24 hours yet.

 

[LindaB220]

Thank you for taking the time to reply! I unfortunately just have one coop, so I guess I just need to be patient. I have the new girls in the coop right now, with the door shut and my other girls in the run. Since they were having trouble going into the run I wanted to make sure they had a chance for some food and water in peace. They are up on the roosts, at least they aren't in the corner anymore. It's hasn't been 24 hours yet.

It sounds like everything is going ok. They will adjust.