Integrating pullets and hens backwards??

[GinaJ]

I need some advice about integrating but in a kind of backwards way… usually I see people integrating pullet with older hens… I want to do the opposite.
I have 3 pullets, about 12 weeks old.
I’m wanting to rescue a few more hens but they’re about 12 months old so will be larger than the ‘established flock’. Is this possible? Any ideas to make it a smoother transition? Will the big newbies pick on the smaller, originals?

 

[aart]

Integration would be about the same.
The existing birds are the ones who will be territorial,
usually regardless of age and size of new birds.

Beware 'rescuing' birds, they can bring disease and parasites in with them.
Consider biological/medical quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article


Here are some tips about.....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/