To free-range or not?

[ZANEYchickenguy]

Hello,
It has almost been a week since I divided my chicken run to introduce my 8-week old pullets to my 16-week old pullets. I took off the wire divider in the run and the older ones were chasing and pecking at the younger ones! I put the divider back after I realized they were so stressed. Will it help them get along if I free-range both flocks under supervision? This is still my first year with chickens and I haven't free-ranged before. Any thoughts?

 

[Weeg]

How big is your run? How many chickens are in it?
Sometimes it can take longer then a week, and I find that certain breeds can be harder to integrate as well. RIR's can be real bullies I have found.
Free range is a good idea, they will have plenty of room to escape the older pullets. Make sure your run has hiding spots for them, and areas for them to escape the older ones, or at least get away.
I hope this helps! Keep us posted on how it goes!

 

[ZANEYchickenguy]

Update:
Our neighbor's dog came barking at the chicken run, catching all my chicken's attention. The small ones in the divider broke through somehow and the older chickens weren't pecking at them at all because they were distracted by the dog! After the dog went away, they started to peck at the little ones, but it wasn't severe. I might wait a couple of days to open the divided run again. I will hopefully free-range, supervised.