How long does it take for 2 flocks to merge?

[ZHens]

Hello,

I have two flocks: 1 made up of 2 adult hens and a rooster and the other made up of 4 13 week old pullets. I spent just over a week allowing the two groups to free range with a fence between them so they could "see but not touch." I spend another week allowing them to free-range all together but sleep separately and then I moved the pullets into the main coop at night. So far so good. We had some heavy rain when I kept all the birds confined to the run and everyone was fine. However, they still tend to stick closely to their original groups. How long does it take for them to become a single flock?

 

[Pork Pie]

Usually there is some level of unity when the pullets begin to lay.

 

[chickens really]

It depends..Sometimes they always remain two separate flocks but tolerate each other.

 

[Shadrach]

They may not merge even if they are housed together.
If, once the pullets start to lay eggs the rooster makes one of the pullets one of his favorites then the chances of full merging are better.

 

[pepe1]

I just put six 20 week old pullets last week in a coop that held 6 hens and a rooster and in only 3 days they seem to be fully integrated with only an occasional peck from an older hen when i feed treats, they seem to mingle freely with no issues, that is just my experience and i hope yours works out.

 

[aart]

Usually there is some level of unity when the pullets begin to lay.

This^^^
Egg laying raises status in pecking order.

 

[ZHens]

Thank you everyone for your answers - sounds like there is a lot of variation depending on the chickens. I'll stop worrying about my girls and, since nobody is getting hurt, I'll continue to enjoy observing my girls and let them teach me what they think about getting together.