What will my hens do to my new pullets!?

[Greanleef1]

I have two sexlink hens that have been laying since this winter. If I were to put three more pullets into the coop, what would the hens do tho them? They are not broody nor will they be as I don't own a rooster. I need all the advice I can get! Thanks a bunch!

 

[LindsayB]

I'm going through the same thing, 2 older hens and 2 new pullets. Mine are about 5 weeks old now and when I let them out together in the yard I just supervise them. So far nothing bad has happened, the big girls are curious and walk right up to the little ones and look at them. Then go about their business. I'll keep doing this until the younger ones are about the same size as the hens then add them to the coop. I definitely would not put them in the coop when they are still small, it would be like throwing them to the wolves. Get them used to eachother first. Your still going to see some pecking and aggressive behavior but that is just them sorting out their pecking order.

 

[JanO]

When I introduce new members to the flock I put them in a separate pen for a week or so inside the coop where they can be seen by the older hens, but safe. After a week or so you can let them out during the day. There will be some negotiations as they determine the pecking order, but they blend in quite will after a day or two.

Also, don't count on your hens not going broody simply because there is not a rooster. That has nothing to do with it. It's a natural instinct for them to go broody at some point.