Question about pecking order

[Farmgirl1000]

Hello!
We are thinking about getting more hens. We already have 4.
Is it ok if I put them in the same coop as my other hens?
I have heard it will cause stress on the other hens , (because of the pecking order.)
Thanks for any advice!

 

[cubalaya]

i would quarantine them away from your birds for at least 30 days. after you are sure they are healthy, add them while roosting or a couple hours before roosting and keep an eye on them so no serious picking issues arise.

 

[1muttsfan]

Quarantine first. Then, pen the new birds next to or inside your coop, where the birds can see, smell and hear each other for a few days to a few weeks before mixing them together.

 

[3chickchicks]

When you introduce them, make sure there are several feed and watering stations. The new group will keep their distance from the old group which is normal. This is the new group showing respect to the old group. If they go to the feed and water the old group uses, there will be fighting and they may not be allowed to get food and water.

My experience may have been better than most but I let them have a day where they were separated but could see each other and then that night, I slipped them into the coop.