When adding new birds to an existing flock, do you need consider breed and size? Do the new birds generally accept the new additions (as long as they were introduced properly) as members of the flock or will they always be lower on the hierarchy?
I have a flock of five hens from last spring (2 NH Red, 1 BCM, and 2 Cream Legbars). They were all raised together and get along really well. The BCM and one of the reds are my largest and are the head birds but don't bully the others. I plan to add a lavender orpington (my dream bird) and another cream legbar to my flock this spring, but am concerned the the new legbar may be bullied by the entire flock. Is this likely? Should I avoid adding smaller birds as new additions?
I have a flock of five hens from last spring (2 NH Red, 1 BCM, and 2 Cream Legbars). They were all raised together and get along really well. The BCM and one of the reds are my largest and are the head birds but don't bully the others. I plan to add a lavender orpington (my dream bird) and another cream legbar to my flock this spring, but am concerned the the new legbar may be bullied by the entire flock. Is this likely? Should I avoid adding smaller birds as new additions?