Integrating new hens 1 at a time.

[NewcoopNewpoop]

I have a 2 hen "flock" where both are 1 year old (orpington and bc maran). Just got 3 from a friend and they are 2 years old (EE, G. wyandotte, sapphire gem). Im wanting to integrate and was thinking putting 1 at a time over to my original flock starting with the most submissive hen.
They have parallel pens about 5-10 feet apart and have seen eachother for 4 days.
Also if the hens have come from a known healthy flock and show no signs of sickness is it possible to safely integrate sooner than 30 days?
Thoughts?

 

[sourland]

I would integrate all 3 at the same time. 'safety in numbers' when dealing with the home team. If they are in pens 5-10 feet apart, both flocks are already exposed to anything the other flock may have so integration can take place at any time.

 

[tlcmurphy]

I would integrate all 3 at the same time. 'safety in numbers' when dealing with the home team. If they are in pens 5-10 feet apart, both flocks are already exposed to anything the other flock may have so integration can take place at any time.

I agree. It’s difficult to integrate only one bird, it’s much smoother if you have at least 2.

 

[NewcoopNewpoop]

I agree. It’s difficult to integrate only one bird, it’s much smoother if you have at least 2.

Thats very helpful to know