New additions

[Adrienne-m]

I just added a few new hens the same age as my existing. There has not been much arguing yet. However, the new girls just stay in one spot and I’m worried they aren’t getting into the water. They all rooster in the same coop last night so I’m hoping they watched the others use the food and water dish. Should I add a second watered outside Or will they figure it out? I don’t want to confuse the situation more

 

[sourland]

I would add a second feed and water station to assure they get enough to eat and drink while adjusting to their new home.

 

[Willow2253]

It’s possible they’re getting pecked at when they try to use the food and water, so they’re avoiding it. When adding new birds it can help to have multiple food and water stations so that everyone can access them.

 

[Adrienne-m]

Ok I’ll add another station. Should it be in the coop also or out and about? For how long?

 

[Willow2253]

I would put it away from the other station so the birds can spread out when they access them.

 

[Adrienne-m]

Ok thanks!!

 

[aart]

Her's some tips about...
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/