Here are tips for mixing hens and pullets I have always had pens where they could see each other but not get to each other. I have a large fenced chicken run, with a big coop and small brooding huts. But now it is time for me to mix the 2 groups. In the evening around 6 most of my hens started to roost in the big coop. I close the door to the big coop, and since there is about 2 hrs of sunlight left, I let the smaller pullets out of their huts (they are about 3 months old or so). This way they get used to the yard, with out being bothered by the older hens. After a couple of hrs play time I put them back to their pen. I do that for a few evenings so they get used to the grounds. Then the next day, I let them out of their hut, but then shut up the hut, so they have to stay in the chicken run with out the protection of their hut. I do this because their hut becomes a security blanket for them, and if I leave their familiar door open, they will run inside to hide. With the door open the older hens can go in also and they trap and beat up a pullet. Outside the hut they get to learn the yard and hopefully find other places to hide. Plus out in the open a pullet can out run a hen, the hens are old and fat and don't want to chase down a pullet. Trapping them is a different story though. I also put out many food and water stations so a pullet doesn't get stressed. Introducing hens and pullets it is also good to have many pullets so the hens don't pick out one from the crowd. Good luck!
