Integrating flocks

[Nannie B]

I got a year old rooster with his harem of 6 hens (between 1 & 2 yrs old). I put them in with the 4 hens I already had (they are about 9 mos old). I know that there will be some pecking order stuff however the 4 hens I first had won't come out of the coop, its up high and where they roost at night. I noticed when the rooster try to mate with one of the original 4 it riles up the hens that came with him and they start fighting the original hens. Should i intervene? I did put a little water up in the coop with the 4 hens because it is so hot here I'm afraid they will dehydrate. Thanks for any advise!

 

[widelacing]

It depends. How long has it been since the new ones were introduced?

 

[Nannie B]

We put them together last Wednesday night, so 3 days.

 

[widelacing]

It takes time for them to settle together. I would start worrying after a week.