Why can't everybody get along?!

[Fowl-Language]

I've got three two-month old babies who WILL be moving outside permanently this weekend (I've been procrastinating). My older hen and rooster are not pleased with the new additions, and there's been a little chasing and feather snatching when everyone is outside together during the day. (My gang free ranges in the yard during the day and are cooped at night). I've just finished building a larger coop, so I thought perhaps it would be best to move them all in at once, so the older ones may be a little less territorial - does that make sense, and would it be best to put the babies in the coop later in the evening when everyone will be too drowsy to care?
I know some conflict is going to occur, and I will watch everyone closely. It hasn't really been bad, just occasional chases, but in the daytime the chicks won't leave my deck (so now I just call it the Poop Deck).

Any thoughts?
Thanks!!

 

[LynneP]

I have a friend who puts the younger birds in an old dog exercise pen while the introductions are happening. Another uses cardboard boxes with hols big enough for the youngers to shelter but too small for the older birds. I've just received my chicks, so I'm not an expert! I'm sure others will weigh in on this.