Introducing new flock members

[Karmagedon]

Hi! I’m picking up two silkies in about 2 weeks, I have been reading up on which way will be the best way to introduce them to our two Easter eggers, but I am worried because our original hen, Karma-Bell, had been alone for about the first year we had her (she had been pretty beat up by her previous flock and needed time to heal) she doesn’t take too well to new comers it took about three months to get Brandi in with her, then all was fine. But Karma can pretty demanding when comes to her flock, their coop is an old ice fishing hut that we converted so it is pretty big for just the four.

I know any way we do it there will be a bit of “aggression” but I am wondering if anyone had any experience kind of like this? Or had an idea of the best way to introduce them? Any help is appreciated!! We love ours girls and wouldn’t want to do anything that could put any of them at risk!

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

Maybe try putting the silkies in a dog crate in the coop with food and water. That way they will hopefully get to know each other a little bit before being totally introduced. When you put them together, make sure the silkies have a place to escape and hide to aviod being picked on as much.

 

[Karmagedon]

Maybe try putting the silkies in a dog crate in the coop with food and water. That way they will hopefully get to know each other a little bit before being totally introduced. When you put them together, make sure the silkies have a place to escape and hide to aviod being picked on as much.

ok great! We do have an old coop that would fit in the new one and give the silkies a space to hide! Thank you!!

 

[aart]

Consider biological/medical quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article

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/

 

[getaclue]

Karma, I'm going to suggest that you start off on the right foot, and quarantine the newcomers for, at the very least, 21 days. You won't regret it, but there can be regrets if you don't quarantine them. After the quarantine period, I like to do a week of "see but don't touch". Section off an area for the newcomers, where everyone can see each other, but can't get to each other. A large cage, or dog crate can work too. When they get used to the newcomers being there, then try introductions. aart has provided great information on how to proceed.