I have noticed that my same species chickens seem to always form their own "flock".
My first round was a few RIR and Sex Link chics all at the same time. they almost immediately split up and did not mix. I took that as a good indicator the breeds will not willingly mix with other breeds unless they have no choice.
So I always get ONE of each. Never 2 or more of any breed at a time.
A couple years ago, a guy at work moved and he dumped his 3 chickens on me. I had an established flock (7) of ALL MIXED breeds. Well 2 of his 3 chickens matched 1 of mine. Within 24 hours, those 3 formed their own subgroup. His odd chicken out was then rejected by the other two of his in favor of the one of mine that was the same breed.
Your experiences?
My first round was a few RIR and Sex Link chics all at the same time. they almost immediately split up and did not mix. I took that as a good indicator the breeds will not willingly mix with other breeds unless they have no choice.
So I always get ONE of each. Never 2 or more of any breed at a time.
A couple years ago, a guy at work moved and he dumped his 3 chickens on me. I had an established flock (7) of ALL MIXED breeds. Well 2 of his 3 chickens matched 1 of mine. Within 24 hours, those 3 formed their own subgroup. His odd chicken out was then rejected by the other two of his in favor of the one of mine that was the same breed.
Your experiences?