Introducing a flock to another

[Bejep714]

We are introducing a flock of adults, 5 hens and one australorp rooster to our flock of 2 buff orpingtons, 2 reds, and a well summer. Our chickens seem hostile and three of them fought with the big rooster. The rooster didnt start the fight but he participated in it. It ended quickly all three times and everything seems fine now but is that normal. They were just jumping and kicking. Nobody got hurt. I have never introduced adults to one another before so I'm not quite sure what to do. Thanks

 

[Bejep714]

This is the run. They're all together right now

 

[rosemarythyme]

If they're no longer fighting then that's a good start. The clutter there does help. Not sure how many feeders and waterers you have but food is a common reason for conflict, so even if it's just for a few weeks I'd spread the food and water out in extra bowls in different locations, so everyone can eat in peace.

 

[aart]

Our chickens seem hostile and three of them fought with the big rooster.....but is that normal.

Totally normal, especially if you just tossed them in.

Here's some tips about.....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/