I have a flock of 11 and would like to introduce 4 or so chickens into their flock. How do I go about doing so without all the other chickens beating up the new chickens?
I don't introduce new chickens until they are either quarantined for thirty days, or if newly hatched chicks until they are usually 8-10 weeks depending on their size. Once they've met those requirements, I usually have them placed in adjoining areas where they can see each other but can't get to each other. After a few days of this, I place those that will be joining the flock in my closed coop about an hour before roosting time. After they've gotten used to the coop and settled in for the night, and right before dark, I let the remaining chickens in. They generally settle right in for the night. On the next day, and just before dawn, I'll open the coop. It seems once they've slept together they seem to get along Ok. I time is so I can see there interactions and monitor them for at least a little while. They will generally establish a pecking order, but we haven't had any difficulties thus far. Oh, and I make sure I add a few more feeding/watering stations when adding new birds to the flock. Seems to keep everyone happy and fed.
