Intruding new older hen to flock of teens

[Arnolds2638]

We have ten chicks now 2.5 months old. A friend has a 1 yr old leghorn hen who he can’t keep any longer. We wouldn’t mind taking her in but I’m not sure how to integrate an older hen. We don’t own a separate cage/coop to put her in initially. Our chicks free range most of the day. Could we just start the morning with free range together and hope they get along in the coop at night?

 

[azygous]

Yes, that's one plan that could work. I'd say to go ahead and try it.

If that doesn't produce the results you want, here's how I've introduced a new adult hen into my flock. https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/introducing-a-single-hen-to-an-existing-flock.71997/

 

[Arnolds2638]

Wow. Impressive story. That seems like it was a lot of work!

 

[MissMonty]

Can you ask your friends if anyone has a wire dog cage you can borrow? I would just worry about injury at night really. I think when they're free ranging it'll probably be just fine. I think locking her in a large dog cage at night at least a week or so will be extremely beneficial.