Chickens not integrating with newest chickens

[Miaowmiaowz]

So I originally had 1 rooster and 5 pullets (16 weeks old) then a friend gave me 5 pullets about 8 weeks ago that are 12ish weeks old. We kept them separated at first for a few weeks but to where they could see each other through the fence then eventually let them all free together. They are still in separate groups and get picked on by the og chickens , why haven't they integrated yet? Several of them are even bigger than my og chickens but are scared of them.

 

[DobieLover]

They are still in separate groups and get picked on by the og chickens , why haven't they integrated yet? Several of them are even bigger than my og chickens but are scared of them.

Home field advantage and it takes time. Usually months to fully integrate.
Once they all start laying, things will settle down.
How old is the rooster? They usually help smooth the transition.

 

[Yardmom]

Chickens tend to stay with their brooder group until around the time they start laying. Sounds like normal behavior. Are you providing multiple feed and water stations? How about clutter to block site lines?

 

[Miaowmiaowz]

Chickens tend to stay with their brooder group until around the time they start laying. Sounds like normal behavior. Are you providing multiple feed and water stations? How about clutter to block site lines?

Yes , I have multiple feed and water stations all around for them. I figured it was something like that, hopefully the older girls start laying soon and chill out

 

[Miaowmiaowz]

Home field advantage and it takes time. Usually months to fully integrate.
Once they all start laying, things will settle down.
How old is the rooster? They usually help smooth the transition.

The rooster is around 18 weeks old, he's really good with both groups , I just would like it to be one group!

 

[DobieLover]

The rooster is around 18 weeks old, he's really good with both groups , I just would like it to be one group!

He's still a cockerel. If he was an older more experienced rooster, that always helps.

 

[aart]

The rooster is around 18 weeks old, he's really good with both groups , I just would like it to be one group!

That's good.
Are they all sleeping in the same coop?
As long as they are all eating and drinking and none are being pinned down and beaten bloody, just let them work it out.
They won't merge into a single flock until the younger birds are laying.
Even then there may be some separation.

 

[Miaowmiaowz]

I made this post yesterday and then later on I find them all hanging out with each other and when they went to bed they were all on the highest roosting bar all mixed in together for the first time lol guess I spoke too soon

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

Chickens tend to stay with their brooder group until around the time they start laying.

Ohhh. This sounds useful.

How about clutter to block site lines?

Explain please. Newbie here and planning on introducing two flocks to their coop tomorrow (younger chicks will be in playpen where all may see one another).

Right now both groups are brooding in the same room but in different play pens.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Explain please. Newbie here and planning on introducing two flocks to their coop tomorrow (younger chicks will be in playpen where all may see one another).

The definitive thread on clutter: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/