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Mixing up heritage breeds?

post #1 of 6
Thread Starter 

My local hatchery offers a package of heritage breeds - Buff Orpington, Brahma, & Ameraucanas - I am thinking that I would like to start with this little group in the spring. BUT my plan was to have a small, self-sustaining flock, so I'm wondering if these birds will cross breed and whether or not that's a good thing?

post #2 of 6

If there is a rooster in the batch, he will not care what breed the others are.  This will only be a problem if you are going to hatch the eggs and want to keep the breeds pure.  Then, of course, you would need a rooster to go with each breed of hen.  If you are not going to hatch the eggs, then no problem.  It will also not be a problem if you don't mind "barnyard mutts".  Hope this helps.

Home to SLW, Black Minorcas, 1 Andulasian Roo, Rosecomb Brown Leghorns, Light Brahmas, Blue Splash Mirans and Black Orphingtons

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Home to SLW, Black Minorcas, 1 Andulasian Roo, Rosecomb Brown Leghorns, Light Brahmas, Blue Splash Mirans and Black Orphingtons

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post #3 of 6

barnyard mutts are great starter birds as well and are usually pickedup for next door to nothing . just my opinionthumbsup.gif    they help you work out any issues( such as coop /predator problem) without investing lots of cash

Mom of 5 girls(human) and mema to one female and one male also human :) 5 bourbon reds one blue slate and 1 duck hatched on the 15 of august we also have one messed up roo and 4 miniture chickens of varying ages :)

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Mom of 5 girls(human) and mema to one female and one male also human :) 5 bourbon reds one blue slate and 1 duck hatched on the 15 of august we also have one messed up roo and 4 miniture chickens of varying ages :)

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post #4 of 6

Nothing wrong with barnyard mixes. The only thing I would avoid is the tiniest bantams with large fowl roosters (like Nankins and d'Uccles with large roos). They can kill the tiny hens through internal damage.

Read about Egyptian Fayoumis here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/316739/egyptian-fayoumis-info and more here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/281062/fayoumi-bigawi-qarafa-and-old-egyptian 

Egyptian Fayoumis are one of the world's treasures and are magnificent creatures.

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Read about Egyptian Fayoumis here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/316739/egyptian-fayoumis-info and more here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/281062/fayoumi-bigawi-qarafa-and-old-egyptian 

Egyptian Fayoumis are one of the world's treasures and are magnificent creatures.

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post #5 of 6
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the advice. I've been doing more research on those specific breeds - I think I am going to ask the hatchery if I can get a mix of Orpingtons & Brahmas. Both embody the characteristics that we are looking for. We live in northern Ontario so we need a bird that is hardy and a good winter egg producer. There are just so many beautiful chickens available it is hard to decide.  I just know that I am done with the quick growing cornish.
 

post #6 of 6
Quote:
Originally Posted by SharChe View Post

Thanks for the advice. I've been doing more research on those specific breeds - I think I am going to ask the hatchery if I can get a mix of Orpingtons & Brahmas. Both embody the characteristics that we are looking for. We live in northern Ontario so we need a bird that is hardy and a good winter egg producer. There are just so many beautiful chickens available it is hard to decide.  I just know that I am done with the quick growing cornish.
 


Also Partridge Chanteclers come from Canada. Depends on what you like in a chicken's appearance, too.

http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/CGA/Chant/BRKChanticler.html

 

Orpingtons have single combs (easier to freeze).

 

http://www.grit.com/multimedia/image-gallery.aspx?id=1344&seq=25

Read about Egyptian Fayoumis here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/316739/egyptian-fayoumis-info and more here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/281062/fayoumi-bigawi-qarafa-and-old-egyptian 

Egyptian Fayoumis are one of the world's treasures and are magnificent creatures.

Reply

Read about Egyptian Fayoumis here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/316739/egyptian-fayoumis-info and more here: http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/281062/fayoumi-bigawi-qarafa-and-old-egyptian 

Egyptian Fayoumis are one of the world's treasures and are magnificent creatures.

Reply
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