Integrating adult hens into free-range flock?

[Goose and Fig]

I have the opportunity to get a pair of heavy hens to add to my other girls & roo. They free-range on our 40 unfenced acres- but stick pretty close to the coop. If I get the new hens- should I leave everyone in the coop for a few days? Will the new hens know where to go in at night? I'd hate to drive 3 hours to get them just to have them get lost in the woods. We have racoons that surely wouldn't miss an opportunity!

Thanks!

 

[pats4lsu]

I'm kind of new to this but, I would put the newbies in the pen for about a week. When you let them out, they still may be picked on...pecking order has to be established.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Here's a link to a page about integrating two flocks.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-adding-to-your-flock

 

[Goose and Fig]

Good info on that link! Thanks!