I have 4 chicks that just recently turned 2 months old and I want to introduce them to the main flock but don’t know how or if I should. There currently is a 2 1/2 month old chick with the main flock but that’s because it was a broody hen’s adopted chick and had protection until it reached around 2 months so I don’t know if these motherless chicks can be released into the main flock just yet. They are currently in a cage inside of the chicken coop so they’ve been seeing each other for a while and I also let them free range together for a couple hours each day. I do this in an attempt to smoothen their transition into the main flock but I’d like to know if they’re ready, how I should do it, and what I should expect. Also, if the chickens start pecking them do I try and keep them away like a mother hen would do or let them peck the chicks?