[miccon63]

just got two light Sussex from cameronS the other day {Cheers cameron} and adding them to my three little ladies (black rocks) just wondering how long it usually take for everything to calm down(a little pecking and a lot of noise)and for them to start sharing coop properly. I'm keeping the light Sussex in make shift coop just now till things calm down ... any advice welcome...right, wrong , tips ,anything TA .mark

[jameslindsay]

It shouldn't really take any time at all. I have always introduced any new ones straight away and let them get to know eachother and have never had any trouble. From time to time there is a few days of slight unrest as they sort  themselves out but I have always let them sleep in the same coop from day 1.

[Sharondp]

I usually introduce newbies in the evenings so they HAVE to share the coop! Always worked 

[Litl_Deb]

I had a fox attack in the winter and so replenished my stocks, there was not too much falling out, but the three new ones never seemed to run with the group, they were always at the other end of the half acre field.  So much so that the fox saw the opportunity of a lone hen and took one of them.  I have had a new fence since then and no more foxes (touch wood), but I have always wondered why they don't stick together - they roost together fairly happily.  Chicken personalities I guess, perhaps your group are a bit fussier than most, but I am sure they will settle soon - they are not as daft as people seem to think, are they!

[doganjo]

I usually introduce newbies in the evenings so they HAVE to share the coop! Always worked 

Me too.  If you put them in when it's almost dark, the can't see each other as they have night blindness, then in eh morning they think the new ones have always been there.  I've done it differently this time as I couldn't stay awake the day I got them till it was dark and have them in the run but separated by wires.  Two of the new ones have already got over to visit.  I put them back but they are all still doing their little threats between the wires.  I'll go back to the old way next time.