Adding my pullets to the flock

[Sg4]

I currently have 4 laying hens (BOs and RIRs). I have 6 new pullets (Barred Rock, Golden Comet, Ameraucana) that are feathered out and finally living outdoors! They are so happy
I have read so much information on introducing new chicks to an existing flock. I decided to go with the method of putting them in the 10x10 run with the big girls, but separated inside their own pen. I put the outside on Sunday, and monitored everyone closely. I know they need to establish a new hierarchy. At first the hens were really curious, but now 2 days later, they only pay slight attention to them. This morning (Tuesday) one of the barred rock pullets had escaped (not sure how) and was out with the big girls! I panicked at first, then realized no one was paying attention to her. I put her back in the pen, and all is well.
My question is this: About how long should I leave them separated in the run? I know there isn't a clear answer for this, but what signs should I be looking for? The pullets are about 7-8 weeks old, so they aren't tiny, but have plenty of growing to do. Of course my biggest concern, is someone getting injured while they determine the new pecking order. I was thinking about letting them mingle some this week, under my supervision.

 

[benjamin123]

Usually people suggest separating them for at least a week. If your current girls are docile you can let them out with little supervision. I personally find they get a few pecks and all is fine, the hardest thing is getting them use to roosting as they would huddle together in a corner. You know your girls best, if there are some mean girls then you may need to separate them fully for longer.

 

[aart]

Fashion a 'door' (or some kind of opening) in the chicks pen, big enough for the chicks but too small for the older birds. That way the chicks can wander in and out of their pen but have a safe place for refuge that the older birds cannot get into.

Follow the basics....which you've already started.
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.