one adult and 4 young chickens behaviors and adding to flock

[klyra]

We had a flock of three, and lost two. The remaining adult was the most docile of the three. We knew to add to her flock so she wasn't alone, so purchased 4 babies, 9 weeks old. We've kept them separate, but visible. At first sunny (the adult) made a lot of noise, but avoided being within eyesight a lot. Now she spends a lot of time beside their coop being very relaxed. When we do open the coop up to free range, she let's the babies out for a few minutes and then chases them back in their coop. Drinks their water, eats a bite of food and leaves again. I am watching close for signs of danger, and separating them if she seems anxious or too aggressive. She can give them a quick peck now and then if they don't move fast enough. Am I on the right track, or should they still be completely separate?
She is not pecking them often, and it doesn't damage them at all. It seems to me that this is all normal pecking order stuff and that it is going well.
My thoughts are to continue supervised intermingling and keep them visible buy separate the rest of the time. Can anyone confirm or add thoughts?
I did read the forum on adding to a flock, but there were none specific to one docile adult adding to babies. And she was only alone for two days before we brought home the littles.
Thanks!

 

[Den in Penn]

Its going well. As you thought there is always at least a little pecking in establishing a pecking order. If she isn't chasing them down I would think the pecking order is established. The young ones know who is boss. You might be able to let them mingle with out supervision soon.

 

[klyra]

 

[klyra]

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it. Today as I am sitting with them they are looking like a happy cohesive group in the sunlight. One peck in half an hour of happy mingling. Seems you are right! I'll keep my eye out but all does seem well here.

 

[klyra]

She, checking out their coop, while they eat grass nearby...

 

[klyra]

The flock is together full time! Happy and well. They still sleep in separate coops. Any benefit to adding them together at night?

 

[Den in Penn]

They are easier to move at night. When I am raising chicks in the tractor I move it into the same pasture as the flock they will be joining for a few weeks. I keep hoping they will move by themselves into the coop, so I can shut the tractor down. Alas they never do it themselves. I have to move them myself and when it is dark works best. When you move them shut up or move their old coop so they have only the new one to use.

 

[klyra]

So they're all cooped up together and all laying eggs now too! Just thought I'd update the progress. The oldest hen is alpha, and they all get along great. Yay!