combine flocks?

[coppahed]

I have 7 chickens (1 roo & 6 hens) that are 5-6 months and laying. I have 7 sex-link pullets that are 3 mos. They have benn side by side in seperate runs for over a month, how much longer should I wait to mix the 7 pullets in w/others? Mostly worried about the rooster mating w/them. They would all be in a run that is 40'x48' w/ 8x8 coop. Thanks for your help.

 

[airmechreed]

They say to wait to combine them until the smaller chickens are about 1/3 the size of the older chickens so they can defend themselves. A new pecking order will be established when you mix them and if they are not big enough to deffend themselves then you may have some canniblism that takes place. Good luck!