Adding to the flock.

[goslin99]

I currently have some Easter eggers and like the variety of eggs. I'd like to add some more variety to the flock, both in egg color and production rate. I'm looking for some that will be consistent layers and will get along well with other birds. My friend loves his Red Stars, but I've read they are mean to most anything other than themselves. I'd love some suggestions.
Thanks in advance.

Dave

 

[BYC910]

I'm partial to wayndottes myself . Lots of chickens are aggressive towards other chicken if cooped up in to small a coop .

 

[chickens really]

Speckled Sussex and Orpington are my favourites ....

 

[ChickenGirl555]

I think Barred Rocks are really friendly, and I love my Buff Orpingtons

 

[Cajun_MikeR]

Our Barreds have an almost feral air about them, are flighty and will quickly put any new birds in their place.

Our Reds will do the same, but don't seem quite so feral in their actions and aren't as flighty (a couple will actually come sit with you).

The peculiar thing, our BSL out of the Barreds (and our Red roo) are some of the most docile, friendly, easy to deal with hens we've had and will run to meet you then start cooing and talking to you. A couple insist on attention to the point of flying up to perch on your arm or shoulder, just so they can get more attention than the others.

 

[goslin99]

Our Barreds have an almost feral air about them, are flighty and will quickly put any new birds in their place.

Our Reds will do the same, but don't seem quite so feral in their actions and aren't as flighty (a couple will actually come sit with you).

The peculiar thing, our BSL out of the Barreds (and our Red roo) are some of the most docile, friendly, easy to deal with hens we've had and will run to meet you then start cooing and talking to you. A couple insist on attention to the point of flying up to perch on your arm or shoulder, just so they can get more attention than the others.

Thanks for the feedback!!

 

[Folly's place]

Love the Speckled Sussex hens! Also Wyandottes, and Plymouth Rocks. For egg colors, add French Marans and/ or Welsummers. Chanteclers. Maybe Australorps, although they never thrilled me. So many choices! Mary

 

[gonehencrazy]

My red stars are serious producers. I recently had a lull because they were molting but they still laid. I get eggs from them all winter. They definitely can be bullies. But someone has to be top dog. In hens I have 5 red stars, 1 black star, 1 Rhode Island Red and 2 Wyandotte/Welsummer x, 1 CL and 1 Easter Egger. Then I have pullets which I one is laying. There are 4 olive eggers, 1 Sapphire and 1 CCL. The mix flock is great. I’m always trying to figure out who laid what!!

 

[goslin99]

Love the Speckled Sussex hens! Also Wyandottes, and Plymouth Rocks. For egg colors, add French Marans and/ or Welsummers. Chanteclers. Maybe Australorps, although they never thrilled me. So many choices! Mary

My red stars are serious producers. I recently had a lull because they were molting but they still laid. I get eggs from them all winter. They definitely can be bullies. But someone has to be top dog. In hens I have 5 red stars, 1 black star, 1 Rhode Island Red and 2 Wyandotte/Welsummer x, 1 CL and 1 Easter Egger. Then I have pullets which I one is laying. There are 4 olive eggers, 1 Sapphire and 1 CCL. The mix flock is great. I’m always trying to figure out who laid what!!

Thanks for all the info. I can't wait for spring to order some new birds!!