A little advice on breeds needed...

[ChickNLittle]

Wraith

I have White Leghorns and White Leghorns x barred rock mixes. To me, you can't beat the White Leghorns for laying. We have 7 Hens in with a roo and we get at least 6 eggs a day.

So my vote with probably be White Leghorns if you are looking for eggs. Silkies if you are looking for a friendly, broody hen.

 

[Wraith]

Quote:
I wanted a Leghorn but my wife vetoed it because they are flighty and not good with kids, according to her research. I hear they are great layers.

 

[ascott1978]

I have Brown Leghorns, and I agree with your wife. The only reason I haven't gotten rid of them already is because they are laying good.

 

[Wraith]

Quote:
That's how it is I guess. I wanted one of those for the egg laying capabilities, but if they're no good with a kid then I can't have them. They sound like dependable layers, which is exactly what I want. RIRs would suffice I guess. At this point I'm looking at a couple of Australopes and one RIR as the ace in the hole. Those Buff Orpingtons sure are sweet though.

 

[Davaroo]

May I suggest you get just ONE breed to start and make it a well known one? RIR BR's or A-lorps will be fine, but a single breed ensures consistency and a smoother chicken keeping experience.

 

[Wraith]

Why is that? If we raise them all from pullets, won't they all get along? Please elaborate. I am certainly open to suggestion.

 

[Davaroo]

Much like people, chickens do best with birds of their own ilk. They breed with better results when held true and there is less variability across the board. This is especiaily so when their numbers are few. Again, consistency counts with chickens.

Most hobbyists, on the other hand, get a sort of "candy store" mentality, attempting to turn their flocks into the equivalent of a circus - anything goes.

Will your chickens adapt to each other when of differing breeds? Yes. Will you know the difference, or if it could be better had you chosen a single breed? Probably not.

Its just old advice from many years ago, with sound reasoning behind it. I beat the drum, thats all; no one has to listen. In fact, few do.

 

[Wraith]

It makes good sense. We wanted a variety, but those are valid points. We hope to one day have as many as 12 birds, but that is a year off. I believe you when you say it's best to start with three of the same kind. Now I have to convince my wife...and decide if Australorps, RIRs, or Barred Rocks are best.

 

[ascott1978]

If the birds you choose are all of the same size, then there shouldn't be an real concerns. Not saying what's been said isn't valid, just I haven't been told that and mine get along well.

 

[coopist]

I agree with Elderoo. Most of the problems that people have with feather-picking, bullying, etc. are in mixed flocks. Not to say that a mixed flock can't get along. They can and they do, but especially for a beginner, it's best to maximize the possible harmony. In my experience, "birds of a feather" definitely flock better together.