Scared Newbies Retreating to Nesting Box

[BaSpoo]

I added three Americanas to my small flock of 4 laying hens (buff orphington, black astralorpe, green easteregger, and silver laced wyndotte). The three newbies are easily intimidated by the older hens and therefore hide in the "safest place": the nesting box. Consequently the laying hens are laying in the coop instead of in their nesting box. I really dont want to give up any of these hens and I can't allow freeranging at the present time. Comments and ideas appreciated. THanks.

 

[Theorrin]

did you do the see-no-touch method or put them straight into the area with the original flock?

 

[rosemarythyme]

x2 on how did you add them to the flock?

Also photos of your coop and run would help assess the space for improvements, like additional feeders, clutter, space, etc.