new chickens to old chickens

[dustyw]

I have 4 hens that are about 1 year old. I just recieved 4 more that are about 15 to 16 weeks old. Am I ok with just putting them in the coop together? One of the older ones was still in the coop and the new ones were in there and there was a lot of pecking going on. I would hate to have a dead chicken in the morning. The new ones have been in there all day while the older tribe was free ranging. The day is winding down and I have to decide what to do.

 

[jenjscott]

well, I hope whatever you did worked out. It is usually best to keep penned next to each other for a while. Mixing at night or free ranging initially is a favorite ploy. There is frequently a lot of chasing and swearing goes on. The fact that the numbers are even is good.