Introducing new chickens

[walte1fr]

I have 3 chickens in a 10x10 dog kennel (we live in town so can't free range until we move to the country). In April we got 4 more baby chicks. 2 bantams and 2 full size. For 2 weeks now we have had the new chickens pen next to the existing so they can see eachother. They sure make a lot of noise. Tonight I took one of our full size new chickens into the existing pen. None of the other chickens were happy. They puffed their chest and one actually went after her. I'm wondering. Is it too soon to put them in there or do I need to do it at night when they are sleeping and put all sorts of obsitcals in the pen to help the new ones hide? Any advice?
Thanks in advance. Just trying to have some happy chickens

 

[rjohns39]

When introducing new birds there will always be a pecking order thing that happens. Best to supervise to ensure it doesn't get out of hand--but let them work through it. Once the smaller/younger birds submit, they should be fine. Always best to add them at night but be there in the am to supervise. Try not to intervene unless someone's life is on the line.

 

[walte1fr]

Thank you very much. It was pretty scary just because I've never seen them puff their chest up and lunge at eachother hahah. Is it too soon to introduce them?