best way to integrate new birds into the flock?

[mtn_penny]

We hatched a few chicks earlier in the spring and did not end up selling them all. I would like to integrate them into the flock but the older hens are just being bullies. We did have them in side by side coops for a long time where they could see each other and such. But so far it is a no go when we put the 4 new hens in with the older ones.

Any advice welcome since I am heading on vacation soon and would like to get them moved before then.

thanks

 

[Bucky182]

Try placing them in at night when they are a sleep on the roost. I have had good luck with that in the bast when I would put a new rooster in with hens. Often they will wake up and act like they have always been there.

 

[mtn_penny]

I did a little searching so let me answer a few questions that may come up.

I have 14 Americana hens that are about 18 months old and 4 of the pullets (around 4 months old) that I would like to put together.

They have a 10x10 coop so I think there is plenty enough room. And we are working on a expanded flight area of the coop which will add another 10x10.

I have tried both day and night. I think it was the roo that got the first one so we removed him since we want a new roo next year anyhow. This seemed to work for the first day and the hens were doing fine. After the second night , we found all 4 new hens had scrapes so we removed to doctor.

Now I am stuck.