chicks and free ranging

if they are about the same size then when you first do try it but stay close by. I find by scattering some mixed corn the older birds are generally more interested in that although they may give the new chicks a swift peck. Be careful with the chicks as silkies along with other tufted breeds have a soft spot on the top of their heads and therefore you dont want any injury there.
Also remember your chicks will still be on a different feed and you dont want your egg layers eating their feed if it has ACS added.

so have changed the feed to suit them all and let the littlies out with the ladies.  they are in a penned area of the garden that leads out of their coop, so access to grass but not quite free ranging yet.  they ran straight to their mum when they got out but she told them where to go!  and one of the two other silkies had a go at them briefly but then they were fine together.  they've been fine ever since, but still sleeping (by choice) separately for now.

best way is to feed the chicks in their own run first then let them free range with the others for a few hours before putting them back into their own run. Do this until they are over 14 weeks and then you can start to change them over to layers if you wish. Adult hens love chick crumb and rearers but it doesn't provide the correct vitamins and minerals so try and not let them eat your chicks feed.