What if I

[florida lee]

I added three Buff Orpingtons 13 wks old to my flock of 8 - 17 wks old..... I moved them all into a brand new coop at the same time, and at night. That was on Thur night, today Sunday the poor BO's are still getting pecked and chased. I know its the chicken way, but still hard to stand around and do nothing.
Question is .....what would happen if I got a full grown hen and put her in with the flock. Would the shoe be on the other foot, would the poor BO's get from both ends, would the older hen side with the BO's. Good idea or stupid. The RIR seems to be the worst of the pecker on-ers.
How long before new pullets are accepted into the flock?

 

[the Pollo Loco]

i say give them all a good roo to keep them busy...

 

[CarlaS]

From what I've learned they may be excepted into the group very quickly, or they may never be excepted and be picked on the whole time they're together. It's hard to tell whether or not adding a hen would be helpful, we have did this a few times and they were fine. Yet, we once we actually had to get rid of some of the chickens that weren't excepted because it was to brutal. Best of luck!