Need advice on adding 8 wk old pullet to 6 wk old flock

[AggieGirl09]

I'm new to chickens and I currently have four, 6 week old chicks that I've had since they were a day old. Any advice on taking in an 8 wk old pullet from a friend who can't keep her and integrating her into my flock? My chicks are already outside in their coop and run full time. TIA!

 

[cavemanrich]

Young chickens should integrate easily. Just let the new one in with your chickens and observe. If you notice any rude violent behavior, then you will have to go the other route.
Keep the newcomer separated in a cage, but visible to all the chickens. Provide food and water separately inside cage of course. After a week or so the resident chickens will be used to the newcomer, and should not bother VERY MUCH.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,, and

 

[AggieGirl09]

Young chickens should integrate easily. Just let the new one in with your chickens and observe. If you notice any rude violent behavior, then you will have to go the other route.
Keep the newcomer separated in a cage, but visible to all the chickens. Provide food and water separately inside cage of course. After a week or so the resident chickens will be used to the newcomer, and should not bother VERY MUCH.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,, and

Thanks so much!!

 

[centrarchid]

If new juvenile is substantially larger and quarantine is not a concern, then I would add it to group while they are confined then observe for discord / violence that does not quickly resolve. I would want the single newcomer to be the new dominant bird within a few minutes, but have two many targets on their turf to cause damage. The addition while confined needs to be followed by a couple days of no release so new bird knows where to to roost in the evening.

I make introductions relatively frequently often involving a breed that is more difficult that average with respect to introductions. Two other breeds also involved so have a feel for range of outcomes and challenges.