Introducing new flocks...

[KittyKattens]

We have 5 chickens we have had for a year, this year we added 4 ducks, and 6 more chickens free ranging the back yard. What's the best way to introduce them to each other?

 

[feathermaid]

Are only the new birds free ranging? Or are they all ranging together already?
Well, free ranging is a good way to introduce because there's so much more room for anyone getting picked on to run away. For the rest of the time, set up a See But Don’t Touch situation for a few weeks so they can all get used to each other in a smaller space. Food and water stations on each side of a wire barrier will also help them get used to eating together, then when you take down the barrier, keep the extra feeders but move them apart to prevent guarding. And also offer more perches and line-of-sight obstacles.

 

[aart]

Here's some tips on.....
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

 

[KittyKattens]

Yes they are free range. Thanks y'all for answering. I did all that you suggested and they aren't exactly happy about it but the original 5 have mostly accepted the newer birds. But one has been a big bully... Any suggestions on how to keep her from being a bully?

 

[aart]

But one has been a big bully... Any suggestions on how to keep her from being a bully?

Is the bully the low bird?
Not unusual for low bird to be the most aggressive to newcomers,
they are protecting their place in the order and (I think) just are glad to have someone to beat up.
I'll repeat....

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.