Bringing Everyone Together

The world of chickens can be more complicated then we think.  One cannot simply put chickens together and assume all is well, the factors to consider are more then I anticipated.
Having 12 chickens of one age and 8 chickens of another has been a stressful issue on the homestead.
First it was deciding when to change everyone's feed to avoid having to buy different feed running the risk of unused feed which is a waste of money.  Nothing is simple and smart choices often require careful planning.  A calender is essential, know your feed and watch your birds.  FYI everyone gets switched to layer feed in August with our first eggs expected in September.

The new hurdle is housing.  The 8 young birds are quickly outgrowing their brooder and are about to have all their feathers.  The time for them to move out into the coop is near.
However,  the "Pecking Order" is very much a reality and true to form, the bottom of the order does get pecked.  Putting the birds together too soon and we run the risk of fighting, injuries and even losing birds.
With that said, introductions must be made.
So for the past several days we have been free ranging our birds together.  For the most part they avoid each other, but I'm hoping these first impressions are not a sign of the future.  I had to stand back and watch several babies take a pecking from bigger birds.  A new order is being established.
Why can't we all just get along?!