How to Introduce new 9-week old girls? Is this okay?

[ZaneyMama]

I have 8 9-week-old pullets that I raised from babies. I just got two more 9-week-olds pullets from the same hatching today. I put them in a wire dog crate in the middle of the coop. How long should I leave them separate from the others?

I initially let them run around together until my dominant female started pecking one of their heads. What behavior is normal for the existing flock when introducing new members? Should I be concerned with head-pecking? Would they kill each other? Or are they just sorting out who's boss?

Thanks in advance!

 

[math ace]

Mine did Head picking for 2 WEEKS.

It started with Alpha of intro and Alpha of existing.
It continued down the pecking order. Each of the new pullets has to find their spot in the old flock which means some in the old flock are going to be demoted.

MY MOST SUBMISSIVE pullet in the OLD flock was the last to get picked on. We had to pull her out for a week to let her feathers start growing back.
EVERYBODY's pecking order was established when we put her back in and it was pick on the new chick WEEK all over again.


WATCH WATCH and WATCH - - - there will be picking. Just watch to make sure feathers aren't being ripped out.
WHAT REALLY HELPED with my last pullet was ADDing some HIDING places for her. I also put additional waterers and feeders out during that time.

GOOD LUCK

 

[ZaneyMama]

Great. What was I thinking?