MIXING BREEDS

[sholmz]

Has anyone got a fool proof way to mix 3 bl. Austalorp; hens with a bout 12 sex links hen with out killing each other.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

The breeds in question should be acclimated to each other just as any other breeds would be - it isn't about the breeds, but about following a good process of integration. How old are the birds in question? How much space do you have to work with?
One common approach is to use a "look but don't touch" approach which allows the birds to see each other, while housed side by side, separated by a barrier, and become accustomed to the presence of each other prior to allowing physical contact. The primary cause of physical confrontation with unfamiliar birds is that a newcomer is seen as an interloper and threat to the resources of the flock - as such the new bird(s) are seen as something that must be driven away by the existing flock in a given territory. Even with visual familiarity established, you can expect some physical interactions as the newly formed flock goes through the process of re-establishing a pecking order - until/unless actual physical damage is done (not talking about feathers coming out here and there or even small bleeding pecks to combs/wattles) it is generally best to let the process play out without interruption as any disruption by outside forces only prolongs the process and can, inadvertently, cause it to be worse.
Some folks like to create a small sub-flock by introducing the new birds to a few of the existing birds in a controlled area - allowing them to form a larger group to go through the introduction to the larger group - this can be especially helpful if introducing one or just a few birds to a larger group.

 

[sholmz]

I have 12 layers that are beginning to lay and have 3 pullets 5 mos. old I want to integrate.

 

[bobbi-j]

There are a lot of good threads on integration here if you want to look them up. Ol Grey Mare gave you some good advice already.

How big is your coop and run (in feet by feet for each of them)? Do you have room to put up some hideouts? (Lean a pallet or piece of plywood against the run wall, put a pallet up on cement blocks, or whatever else you come up with to break the line of vision) How about separate feeders and waterers? How old are your "layers that are beginning to lay"? Are they pullets also? Do your chickens ever free range?