Mixed flock advice

Monstro

Chirping
5 Years
Sep 12, 2014
200
13
91
Wayland, MI
We're still new to this chicken thing. DH and I both had chickens as kids but now finally able to get some together.

We currently have 5. 2 golden campines @ 7wks, 1 mixed @ 5-1/2 wks, and 2 isa browns @ 2 wks. Our 4x4x4 coop is almost done, the oldest 3 will be going into it, which will leave us with one brooder still.

Our goal is to build a larger coop next year, either in the existing barn or separate we're undecided. Then the small one will be used as a quarantine and grow out.

Eventually we'd like a couple dozen mainly for eggs. Two each of various breeds. Don't want a rooster at this time so don't want a bunch of broodies and we're not allowed to free range here. Our kids love them already and sing to the ones we have.

So here is a list of one's we're considering. Aiming for a variety pack. Advice on any or types that might become bullies is much welcomed.
Rhode island red (dh choice), barred rock (dh choice), silver laced wyondotte, blue laced red wyondotte (my choice), Columbian wyondotte, barnevlder, welsummer, marans (open to varieties), easter eggers, olive egger, salmon favorelle (kids choice)

On fence about buff orpington and australorp because of being broody. Would love a cream legbar for egg color but can't imagine paying the price this early in.

We're all really excited. Seems like forever until we'll start getting eggs.
 
Also heard the RIR's can become bossy. If this is the case should we only get one? And how likely is it to take on the "rooster" role for protective? Or are their others that would do that?
 
Each chicken is an individual with its own personality. You’ll find posts on here where a hen of any breed became the dominant hen, even bantams over full-sized hens. You hear horror stories about RIR, Barred Rocks, Buff Orpington or any other breed, about how mean they can be. You also hear stories about how any of these breeds are the sweetest things ever. There are millions of these chickens out there, some are nice, some are not. Don’t overly worry about that kind of thing. It’s just luck.
 
Each chicken is an individual with its own personality. You’ll find posts on here where a hen of any breed became the dominant hen, even bantams over full-sized hens. You hear horror stories about RIR, Barred Rocks, Buff Orpington or any other breed, about how mean they can be. You also hear stories about how any of these breeds are the sweetest things ever. There are millions of these chickens out there, some are nice, some are not. Don’t overly worry about that kind of thing. It’s just luck.
So true.

I love my BO's and knew they "often go broody". Of my 3 - 1 is broody 50% of the time, but when she lays, hers are xl-xxl eggs. 1 sometimes is broody and also xl-xxl eggs. The third, who is my favorite has not had a broody day in her 18 + months of age and lays large to xl eggs.

I really only wanted one BO, but figured they would be bottom of pecking order and they would be happier at the bottom with friends. What a surprise, my broodiest one is #2 in the order - our mix is 3 BR and 3 BO. All lovable and unique in personality.
 

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