I have 5 newly "weaned" chicks, 10+ young hens near laying age, and a mature flock of 10+ layers and a large red roo. They all sleep in the same hen house but when I let them out to forage they go in 3 groups. The roo runs off the new hens from the feed area and they only go to roost after he is bedded down. How can I get these groups to merge into one flock? If I remove the roo will the older and younger hens form a unit? It looks like he is keeping his group separate.
They will merge eventually. You just need to be patient. I don't think that removing an integral part of the flock is the answer, though. As long as the rooster is not damaging any of the newbies I'd let them try to work it out amongst themselves. It's better if you try to stay uninvolved as much as possible. Good luck.
