Integrating newbies into an existing flock(and I'm a nervous wreck!)

[Leelu13]

Anyone have tips to share on integrating new chicks into an existing flock? We have a flock of 'teenagers'- 2 naked necks (one is a roo), 5 Australorp (all are 8 months old) and a 2 year old RIR hen,who is the boss.
We have new chicks-another 8-who are about 9 weeks old (5 brahmas,2 silver laced wyandottes and an Easter egger.)
We've been doing the 'look no touch' method for a couple of weeks, and tonight hubby wants to add them all to the coop. I'm worried the bigger ones might hurt the babies (although they are getting big- the brahmas are already good size) Our RIR tends to be a bit...b*****,and a bully. I realize the pecking order is a necessary thing for chicken society, lol,but I'm a nervous wreck (and I'm the one who didn't want chickens!)
Anything else we can do to make a smooth transition? Tips?

 

[Mrs. K]

I think I would pull the RIR for a couple of days. Put her, where you have had the chicks. I would also put the rest of the older birds out of the coop/run where you have had them, and let the babies in there for a day. This lets them explore the new set up without being chased. Then just before dark, let the others back in, but not the RIR.

See how it goes, and later on let the RIR in.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

Do you free range?
Plenty of room in coop and run?

Tips and links 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.

This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock