Thoughts on mixed flocks?

Hennisee

In the Brooder
Mar 25, 2017
15
0
22
Hi all,

Many friends and family have chickens and we've decided to jump in! We'd like to get up to five chicks, all different breeds if possible. Does that make a difference to the flock and how they get along?

We used BackYard Chickens to do our homework and have come up with a list of our top five. Our criteria was basically friendly, foragers, unique looking, variety, bug killers, winter hardy and a bit of a mix of eggs but that's a nice to have.

Cochin Silver laced
Buckeye
Swedish Flower
Dorking-silver grey
Ameraucana – blue wheaten & wheaten

Please do let us know if this is a good mix.This is very much a 'wish list' and not sure if we will even get close to this since we also need to avoid roos.
 
I can't give you much advice, but I'm following as we have a mixed flock. I let the kids pick out most of the chicks, my only requirement was Ameraucanas since I've raised them before and LOVED how sweet they were and had great egg production.
 
Greetings from Kansas, Hennisee, and
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! Please you joined our community! I have always had a mixed flock. I think the entire key to success is getting them as chicks and raising them up together. They just seem to get along better that way and don't recognize the differences and accept one another. There is always a risk in breeds of different sizes but as I said, if they are brought up together it won't likely be an issue. You can explore that and other topics in the Learning Center in this link: https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center
Best wishes and thanks for joining BYC and good luck with your mixed flock!
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Hi and welcome to BYC!

I personally have a mixed flock (bantam Wyandottes, Silkie, Buff Rock, Polish x, Sulmtaler) and I love having a mixture of different breeds and colours- a lot more interesting than just all one breed, plus they are easier to tell apart.

The breeds you have listed sound like a lovely selection! I'm sure you'll have a beautiful looking flock! :)

Best of luck,
Charlotte
 
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Unless you want to start some sort of breeding program, I think mixed flocks are a great way to go...especially if you're just starting out. Having a mix will give you the chance to see how they differ and maybe tell you which breeds you prefer.

Have fun, you've picked some good breeds to start with!
 
I agree mixed flocks are good and IF they grow up together as young chicks, they generally get along well as adults. Particuliar colors that you mentioned may not be available at the same places.
 
Thanks everyone- we are defiantly trying to get them all as chicks so they are raised together. But as mentioned finding the breeds we like is proving a challenge here in Ontario, let alone from one place.
 
G’Day from down under Hennisee
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Welcome!

As you have already received some great advice, I will just wish you all the best.

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out
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