Mixing flocks, introducing new hens

[greginshasta]

As some of you know, we lost our RIR last weekend in an accident.

I've been watching Craigslist and have spotted some full size hens, as well as some young banties.

http://redding.craigslist.org/grd/420237776.html
http://medford.craigslist.org/for/447156063.html
http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/417892517.html
http://chico.craigslist.org/grd/445441318.html

Before we get serious about traveling to pick up any of these hens, what are the practicalities of adding them to our flock? Can we just put them in the run and expect them to get along?

Our 9 hens are 1 Leghorn, 1 Australorp, 2 Silver Wyandotte, 2 Buff Orphington, 2 Barred Rock, and a red something (sorry, I forget that one.) They are all about 3 months old.

 

[greginshasta]

anyone?

 

[Dawn419]

Personally, I'd quaratine any new birds before adding them to my flock. Read too many horror stories on the forums about "they looked healthy" and "now my other birds are acting sick".

Dawn

 

[cristina33]

IMO I would not mix them with your flock right away! You never know if they are sick . I would keep them away from your birds for at least 2 weeks to a month. I do a month to be sure that they are healthy. They wont get along at first due to pecking order. I would mix them with the flock at night this way they all wake up together. It is hard at first to see all the bickering but they do get along in time. I would also watch to see if there is a hen getting picked on more than others.
Hope this helps.
Take Care
Cristina