I have a flock of 6 LF hens and 3 Bantam hens to which I introduced a young rooster about a week and a half ago. They are just now starting to accept him. Now I've acquired 4 RIRs and 4 golden sussex hens. These hens are older than mine. They are full grown hens maybe 1.5 years old. My original hens are just beginning to lay. I have the new hens penned up in the area that I want them to roost in and the original hens and rooster in a temp. area. The two areas are separated by chicken wire. I let my original hens and the roo out to free range, but I think I should keep the new hens penned up for a day or so. My question is how long should they stay separated? And after I let them all free-range together should I still separate them at night for a while longer? Thanks!
