How do I know when rough is to rough?

[KaOsFarm]

My sister decided to get me two chickens for a Christmas present and while I'm happy that she thought of me and I was planning on getting more chickens, I'm a little extremely not sure what my steps are about going about getting them into the coop especially since it's winter and they are going to be spending a lot of time in close contact with each other. My sister lives in my house and this is a really thoughtful gift from her so giving them away is not an option. They seem healthy and I am quarantining them as best I can but they can't stay in my house forever as I don't think my barn will be warm enough for them. I am going to do everything I can given the circumstances to get them situated as best possible. So before I introduce them and start that process, how aggressive is to agressive when it comes to pecking order establishment? One of them is a frizzle so she is tiny. I like the chickens and the thoughtfulness of the gift but I was kind of unprepared for more chickens.

 

[KaOsFarm]

And when/how do I intervine if nessasary?

 

[KaOsFarm]

It's good to mention that they were already together by the time I first saw them. If that helps any.

 

[Chelseyb123]

Is it possible for you set something small outside since its only two near the others?and how big are they like are thwy fully feathered? If so than they should be fine. I have two baby chicks im waiting to get all there feathers. Watch videos i did with other people bringing chicks outside ect i live in maine its snowing right now and my flock has been going outside daily.

 

[Chelseyb123]

Also theyre will be fights i know i had some ovee yhe summer for a couole days than things were fine. Maybe introduce then a. Couple hours a day

 

[sourland]

Too rough is when birds are physically injured or unable to eat or drink. Monitor closely, and hopefully all will go well.

 

[Sneebsey]

Are you talking about introducing them to a larger flock? If so, you definitely should wait at least a month to do so, to ensure that your current birds are not introduced to anything harmful. I would suggest using a smaller house and run set-up, keeping them fully quarantined for that time (feed and water your current flock first, then your new birds), then slowly beginning integration so that they can join the flock effectively. When it comes time to introduce, do so slowly, allowing them to see but not touch the newcomers, hence why a smaller house and run is useful, then slowly beginning to let them out to range together in the daytime. There will be occasional scraps, but eventually they should begin to accept the newcomers.

 

[aart]

How old are the new birds?
Can you put them in a room closed off from the rest of the house and open a window so you can acclimate them to the colder temps?
How old and big are your existing birds?

Integration Basics:

It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock