Enlighten me on what/how to add newbies to two hen

[theacw]

I have had the same 2 hens for a year and a half and its only been them since day 1.
This weekend I am adding a momma silkie and one of her month old babies (silkie/cochin mix)

What should I expect?

Are they like cats and going to act different towards me as if they are mad at me?
How long should I expect them to "fight"?
My two free range side by side a few hours a day, will the other two eventually be grouped with them too? I have a neighbor dog that is always running wild and I am hoping they stick together if I need to protect them somehow
Should I be around the month old 24/7 at the beginning or do you think the mom will protect it against the others?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I am so nervous to have 2 more to watch over when it comes to predators but I need more in case something happens to one of mine, they wont be alone

 

[aoxa]

What should I expect?

Pecking, Chasing, hiding, possibly getting along (doubtful)

Are they like cats and going to act different towards me as if they are mad at me?

No. They may be jealous if you are holding one of the newcomers and they want to be held.

How long should I expect them to "fight"?

It depends on each of your older birds temperament. The fighting can last from 1 day - months. Longest I've seen was 1 month. Most got along great after a week. A few were fine after a couple days.

My two free range side by side a few hours a day, will the other two eventually be grouped with them too?

Could be, but sometimes they keep to their own group. I have a group of 10 that were together since hatch, and they never free range with the older ones. The older ones stick together.

Should I be around the month old 24/7 at the beginning or do you think the mom will protect it against the others?

If the broody mama is protective, you are fine to leave them alone. Observe for a while before to make sure she can handle the situation. Broody hens are easier to introduce into a flock in my experience. They take no BS and the other birds respect that.

 

[theacw]

Thanks... Fingers crossed!