introducing new chickens to the flock.

[JessiaCox]

I have a mixed flock of 5 hens and one rooster that are about 13 weeks old. They are all outside and have a large run and a large coop. Space is definitely big enough for at least a dozen chickens. We got two polish chicks that are almost 4 weeks old. We have taken them outside to do some small introduction a couple of times. I have kept them separated with an outdoor dog pen, but the last time I took them out the rooster grabbed the head feathers of one and was trying to pull it out of the pen. Wondering if there is any tips or tricks to introducing them with there being an existing rooster. No idea on the gender of the polish as they are only 4 weeks old and its difficult with this breed.

 

[mandymcg05]

I only have my one experience (lol, sorry!) But, we have 12 week olds- 7 hens and a rooster and we were adding 6 EEs and 2 silkies, about 8 weeks. I tried to just let them hang outside in the run for little bit at a time each day. That wasn't working. The roo and hens were going after them. So a friend suggested I put them in a kennel/crate in the coop with the big birds for about a week and then let them out on the 7th day. They'll go through their regular pecking order thing, but they won't attack thinking they're intruders. So far it seems to be working ok. The littles are scaredy cats half the time and refuse to socialize. lol. But I'll just keep my eyes on them. This is their first night in the coop together w/o the kennel. I'll keep you posted, but you could always try it! Good luck!!

 

[aart]

5 hens and one rooster that are about 13 weeks old

12 week olds- 7 hens and a rooster

FYI.....semantics, maybe, but can be important communication terms when discussing chicken behavior.
Female chickens are called pullets until one year of age, then they are called hens.
Male chickens are called cockerels until one year of age, then they are called cocks(or cockbirds or roosters).
Age in weeks or months is always a good thing to note.

Space is definitely big enough for at least a dozen chickens.

How big is your coop and run, separately, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help immensely here.


Best to have separate but adjacent space for the new birds to live in 24/7.
After being in there for a couple-few weeks, then start allowing physical contact.

Here 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/