[Devonian]

I am collecting 4 ex-barn hens at the weekend.     Can't wait!!

Is there a good way of introducing them to my 2 existing hens?   

Not sure if there different backgrounds will cause initial problems.  Should I isolate the ex-barns for a while?

All your wonderful advice is really appreciated!!

[matilda duck]

Ex-batts are not easy so be prepared

I would seperate them for a while if you can.  Mine were for a month or so. 
You have to remember these girls have been through so much in their life.  Stress caused by change can do all sorts of things to these very delicate girls.
They will not have their imune system built up and will probably have very few feathers.  Adding them to an already established pecking order will be enough to finish them off

Give them their own space if you can as they may have diseases that will be passed on to your hens.  They will need time to adjust to new surroundings.  Mine could only stand when we had them as thats all they knew to do
Let your girls see them but not get to them not for quite a while, especially as it will start to get cold, and you really don't want a blood bath.

I hope this helps and enjoy, but please be prepared for some heart wrenching when you get them.

[Devonian]

Thanks for the info. 

I was prepared for the hens to be in a bit of a sorry state but didn't think they would have to be kept apart for such a long time so that was useful.

I will quarantine them for a while in a separate hen house but in the same large fold.

How long was it for your ex-batts to 'recover' (if they ever really do?).