Adding to our flock this Spring

[erinwithreds]

We would like to add a few new pullets to our flock of 2 year old Rhode Island Red hens (5 Reds). I am curious about what breeds will mix well and get along with the Reds.
We like the docile, friendly manner of the Reds but would like to branch out and add some diversity to the backyard - staying with the friendly manner that our Reds have but
making sure the new breed will be able to hold their own as adults when establishing order in the flock (IE: not being so docile that they get picked on relentlessly).
Any advice is appreciated!

 

[Yay Chicks!]

I'm thinking Barred Rocks. They are big and friendly and can definitely hold their own. Plus they are great layers. I only have one, but my neighbors up the street have a mix of BRs and RIRs.

Good luck!

 

[pdsavage]

check out this
http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html#r

Rhode Island
well adaptable to confinement or free range; active, calm & fairly docile, can be aggressive (cocks are especially notorious)

Sussex
well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm; gentle; active; can be curious; more easily handled

Our Birds: a few have been among our favorites for personality.

Orpington
adaptable to free range; very adaptable to confinement; docile; more easily handled; can be bullied

Our Birds: ours have been docile enough, and some have fit pretty low in the pecking order, but none of ours have shown the "friendliness" that others have claimed for the breed.

Plymouth Rock
well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, docile; more easily handled

Our Birds: ours have been good, solid, dependable birds that have blended in well with the flock, not standing out for good or bad reasons.

Cochin

well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, docile; more easily handled

 

[erinwithreds]

Many thanks for your kind and timely input! I will start looking into the breeds suggested. What a great forum!