Another Beginner Question re: Mixing Different Varieties

I'm planning a flock of about 15 hens to house in a 8'X8'X7' H coop and 20'X8'X7' H run and originally was thinking I'd like to mix them up a little to get a couple of different qualities like prolific egg laying in a couple, maybe a couple of fryers, etc. But after reading more on the forum and in books I'm wondering if it's best for flock harmony to get all the same type of birds for the one quality you want the most, which in my case is a heat tolerant bird that lays a lot of eggs such as Barred Rocks or Red Sex Links. I definitely don't want to lose any birds due to injury and I also don't have time to babysit them for long periods. From what I'm reading I'm getting the impression that birds that look different or are smaller tend to get the short end of the stick in the pecking order, and sometimes you end up with injured or dead birds as a result. So now I'm thinking it's probably best to stick with one variety. I'd appreciate any opinions on whether this is the best way to go or if I'm over-thinking the issue which I tend to do a lot.

Thanks, Gene

if you raise them together when they are different sizes they seem to get along well. we had 2 large birds with 8 batams and they got along fine. it just depends on the bird

Hi, Gene, welcome to BYC. Crested birds and smaller birds don't always do well in mixed flocks. Birds of the same size generally make out OK as long as they are raised together. Better to over think things rather than barging blindly ahead.

we had 2 large birds with 8 bantams and they got along well it just depends on the birds

sourland said:

Hi, Gene, welcome to BYC. Crested birds and smaller birds don't always do well in mixed flocks. Birds of the same size generally make out OK as long as they are raised together. Better to over think things rather than barging blindly ahead.

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Ok, got it - thanks. I know this sounds stupid but I guess that's where the saying "birds of a feather flock together" came from. Gosh, I'm finding most sayings come from the chicken raising aspect of life.

Gene

I have bantams and large birds together in my flock, and because they have been raised together, things are pretty calm.. I don't have sex links, production reds, or New Hamps, because I've found them (all hatchery stock) to be too aggressive. Also, as much as I like Favorelles, they have been too mild mannered in my mixed flock. You will probably want to have Mediterranian breeds, being in a hot climate, rather than the fluffier types that like to live here in Michigan. I'd recommend that you look at Henderson's breed chart, and other sources of information about breeds, and then order a few of several breeds. It's fun to have variety, and you will start to figure out what you like, and who does well were you live. Mary