Quote:
Originally Posted by
Amy PT 
We have a SLW, and Australorp, and the BO. We'll be replacing the BO with another. Are you saying getting a different breed isn't a good idea? I was thinking a BO and another good winter, family friendly, quieter breed, for 4 total chickens. I was considering 2 bantam chicks, and am reading conflicting reports about mixing them w/ standard sized birds. And it looks like sexing bantams isn't done?
I just checked Townline's website, and it looks like they don't have much selection. Is it likely they'd have more variety for a walk in customer?
Hi Amy, if you phone Townline they will tell you what they have and when you can come and get them. I drove over and got two Isa Reds last Fall.
Also, chickens like their kind. I know there are exceptions but getting 2 SLW and 2 Astralorps would be a nice mix. Of course if you get 4 different breeds they will be fine but bantams do have a harder time not getting picked on and a lot of us have a bantam coop because the bantams are more often the target of attack from hawks, foxes and other chickens. Not always but it does complicate things to have different ages and different sizes. Since you are kind of on thin ice in your neighborhood it might be best just to have 4 chickens about the same size and age that can be housed together. And don't worry about having 'too many'. They die of various reasons and so soon you will be down to 3, then 2. Losing some is part of having chickens. Good luck!
ironically and sadly she had layed her first egg that day, a beautiful pastel blue that was 3 days ago she was about 25 weeks. Big really added a nice color a different look to the flock.
