The last time I incorporated new chickens into the flock it was my new chicks I raised last spring. I put them in a wire dog crate in the coop for a month before letting then free with the others one day when they were big enough to fend for themselves. I presently have 2 new hens, supposedly 18 months old, to incorporate in soon due to winter weather. They are living in a dog crate in my barn. Should I put the crate into the big coop for a few days or should I put them in the coop loose one night and let them be? Note to others: always double check things like how long to quarantine before getting new chickens. Here I thought it would be maybe a week or 2. I have 2 hens living in a dog crate in my barn for a month who are not very happy.
Their big girls so I would let them start free ranging with them and then see what happens when they go roost!! They might want to continue sleeping in their dog crate for a bit longer!! Good Luck
