Introducing pullets to mature hens/integration

[aart]

IIRC, Story cites 2-3sqft per bird?
That's a bit tight IMO.

Nice little coop, love the pulley operated nest cover!
Are your eaves open for ventilation?

That upper roost is angled towards wall and so the full ~4' is probably not usable.
Gonna be tight for 6, but they may figure it out.
You might add another roost like the lower one but a foot in from the door wall.
Roost time is one of the most combative times in a birds day,
even long time roomies will bicker and peck and shuffle. RoostTimeRumble.

 

[Michael Fitzgerald]

Storey's Guide recommends 4 sq.ft./bird so my henhouse is a bit small for 6, but having a large fenced run eases stress. My hens are almost always outside. With the structure on stilts, there is covered area outside and they spend time there when it's raining, snowing or hot. So far, they seem fine when they're roosting but I'll think about adding another roost. Yes, the eaves are vented.

Thanks again!

 

[Michael Fitzgerald]

Removed outdoor roost. Added indoor roost. Hens are opting for comfort. Thank you everyone!