Separate flocks free range together?

[Kraemer7]

Hi! I currently have a flock of 11 hens and 1 roo. We’re adding more chicks this spring (15 pullets, 1roo in April and also 5 or 6 pullet chicks in may). I plan to try and integrate those 2 groups together into 1 big flock pretty quickly.
The 2 “coops” (actually barn stalls) are separate but next to each other, but both lead to the same hallway and out the same chicken door into the yard. I’ll take turns having them out until the new birds are 16weeks or so, but after that I’d love to have them join together as one big flock. Do you think that will be okay? Or can I combine them sooner? I was thinking of cutting a passage in between the 2 stalls so it’s more like one larger coop, but both sides will have roosts and water/food access. Also the stall with the smaller number of birds is larger. Is it ok for 2 different aged flocks to range together outside? Will the 2 Roos most likely be ok?

 

[CoopintheWoods]

I've done exactly what you're describing, letting flocks range together in order to integrate them. Mostly they are fine, with a little fighting as everyone gets to know each other. Since your new birds won't be outnumbered and will be old enough to be close enough in size to everyone else, I'd wager that the adjustment period will be very short.

You could try combining them sooner if you want as long as the new ones aren't too much smaller than your old flock. I can't remember how old mine were when they were all running around together, but I don't think they were laying yet.

Good luck with your flock!