Young rooster and even younger pullets

[WaspSlayer]

I've recently adopted my elderly neighbor's free range flock, which includes a mature rooster. A couple months ago (not sure exactly) a partial game hen hatched a chick, which we now believe to be a rooster. I, on the other hand, bought 20 chicks (RIR, and Red Sex Link) about a 6 weeks ago.
I have now moved a mile down the road and acquired a larger coop to house them all, and have separated it into two parts; Part A for the mature flock including the young rooster, and Part B for the 20 youngens. The flocks have not been allowed out of the coop for a couple days now, in order to acclimate them to their new surroundings. The two roosters seem to be "sorting things out."
I would like to move the young rooster into Part B with the younger crowd, and long term goal of alternating days of allowing the 2 flocks to roam without the roosters having issues with one another.
Question(s): Is it ok to put the young rooster in with young ones at this time? Should I even consider keeping both roosters?
I have only been a chickeneer for about a year now. I need all the advice I can get.

Thank y'all so very much for your time and knowledge ❤

 

[nuthatched]

Both rooster will attempt to mate with the young hens before they're ready, so I'd keep them away for now. You have enough hens for both roosters, ( I'm guessing how many hens the older flock has) and since the older rooster will likely be the chief rooster, fighting should be minimal.

 

[WaspSlayer]

Wonderful! So glad to hear it. I really didn't wanna have to control 2 flocks! Lol!

How old do you think the young ones should be before I let them out on the same days as the older ones? I don't want them getting picked on.

 

[nuthatched]

Wonderful! So glad to hear it. I really didn't wanna have to control 2 flocks! Lol!

How old do you think the young ones should be before I let them out on the same days as the older ones? I don't want them getting picked on.

That's hard to say, the roosters complicate things a bit. You can keep the flocks separate but allow them to see each other. I'm not sure what age you can combine them, I've never added chicks to a flock with roosters but I will next year.

 

[WaspSlayer]

Well...I took a leap of faith this morning. I couldn't stand looking at all those pullets cooped up without any bugs to chase, and grass to peck at, soooo I let everyone out all together. We'll see what happens. Sink or swim! I'll let you know what happens.

 

[WaspSlayer]

So far, the young ones stick to scratching under thick brush, weeds, and vines; while the older flock are out in the open. So far, so good.

 

[lobbstertael]

Wonderful! So glad to hear it. I really didn't wanna have to control 2 flocks! Lol!

How old do you think the young ones should be before I let them out on the same days as the older ones? I don't want them getting picked on.

As long as the young ones have a place to escape if the big ones pick on them, I let mine together all the time. Some of my big girls started laying outside the coop because they think it's too much commotion right now, and they chase the youngsters away from their food if I'm not supervising, but those are the only problems I've seen. I think it helps to establish the pecking order before the new ones are all grown up and bossy themselves !

 

[WaspSlayer]

As long as the young ones have a place to escape if the big ones pick on them, I let mine together all the time. Some of my big girls started laying outside the coop because they think it's too much commotion right now, and they chase the youngsters away from their food if I'm not supervising, but those are the only problems I've seen. I think it helps to establish the pecking order before the new ones are all grown up and bossy themselves !

Thats good to know. The two groups have their own side of the coop divided by chicken wire. They can see each other, but each has their own food, water, & roosts with separate entrances. I'm sure they'll all work things out, I just hate that whole pecking order thing.

 

[lobbstertael]

As the youngest of 7 human girls, I guess I'm pretty used to it! Glad to hear you let them out. My birds love it outside, some of them even sleep out there in the nice weather.