When to introduce to the rest of the flock?

[ScotianChick]

I still have 13 days until my eggs hatch and who knows, they might be all boys and I won't have to worry... but when and how do I introduce the pullets. I have 5 hens and 1 rooster and am looking to add 2 or 3 to my flock if I can. Their hen house is used mostly for sleeping and laying eggs. It's not very big but they go out in the yard daily in general. Will my rooster try to mate with them? My roo is a little over eager with his mating cause he is young but I have one hen (they are all 9 months old I think) and she's never laid an egg and she does not allow him to mount her. She is at the bottom of the pecking order and she's the smallest and he still can't get on her (try as he might).

Maybe I should make a little coop/chicken tractor first so the new ones can be in the yard where the others can see them and get used to them?

 

[Sorin]

I'm going to be in the same boat in a couple of months when my order comes in. Everything I have read says that your idea about a second coop and letting them get used to eachother is the best way and that's what I plan on doing. I have also read that they should be close to the same size before you completely integrate them.

 

[Newbie chick 30]

I'm not sure if this is right but once they are fully feathered (for the most part), the weather is nice - living in FL is the case most of the yr and the bird are healthy...I just put them in a cage in the coup for a week and then let the chicks out to join the flock. I haven't had any problems yet (knock on wood).

 

[sheila3935]

I agree with them being the same size or really close to it. I noticed you have RIR's. They or at least mine are not very nice to new birds. When I introduced my BR's with the RIR's I tried when the rocks were a little smaller then the reds. It didnt work the reds wouldnt quit pecking on the rocks, but when the rocks got the same size it went much smoother. I have an assortment of chickens in another coop that come spring I will introduce to the rocks and reds. By then I will have more to go out into the other coop to grow out.