introducing 4 chickens

[JeErPete]

I have one red sex link hen about 15 mos. Just picked up 4 buff orpington hens today just ready to lay. I don't need to quarantine them, I just have questions about how to introduce them to the one chicken that I have. I will keep them in a tractor/coup and let them out into a fenced in area during the day. They are all about the same size. Was thinking I'd let the hen out of the tractor in the morning and then put the other 4 inside the coup to get used to it and then they could walk down into the tractor. And then let the red back into the tractor at the end of the day. Can they be together in one day like that? Every other time I've added new chickens, I did it over a few days and never had probs. This is the first time I've only had one to add to.

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

I would give them 2 weeks minimum to see each other if its hens to hens. The only time I have let my hens mingle with a new bird quickly - is when its a new rooster. They always respect him even if he's new because they are used to having a man around. If I put a new hen (especially a small number like 4 hens or less in with older hens) they get picked on mercilessly. So that's the only reason I say 2 weeks min.

If its a new adult hen and not a chick that you got off someone you'd want to keep them separate at least this long in case your new bird(s) is sick/has parasites.