Adding to the flock

[leahmeit]

I'd like to expand my small flock, although I have no idea how, or even if I can get a different breed!

I currently have 10 Maran hens and 1 roo. They are all about 17ish weeks.

I'd love to add a different breed.

Looking for advise and feedback please

 

[Ridgerunner]

What are your concerns? Many of us have many different breeds together. Many of us integrate new chickens all the time. I just don’t know what you are worried about?

 

[Alicatt]

When I told a woman who keeps chickens I wanted a mixed flock, she told me they wouldn't get along, my sister told me as long as they grew up together I shouldn't have a problem. So I have 12 birds of 5 varieties. If you read these threads they will tell you to mix similar sized birds. Don't throw little guys in, they will be scared of larger hens and most likely chased by them. These threads will tell you to separate by wire only at first so they can see but not touch each other, and I was told by the feed store girl to put new chickens in at night so they wake up together, instead of throwing them right in.
I would definitely get a few more because if the new and old don't blend, the new will have each other to run around with. Hope this helps!!
I forgot to say that at this point get whatever breed you want, because the transition will not be super smooth even if you get more Marans.

 

[donrae]

Breeds are a man made difference. Birds really don't know what a different breed is. Different breeds get along fine together.

Now, birds with obvious differences or handicaps are usually at a disadvantage. The first one that comes to mind is a Polish bird. The look obviously different, and their vision is handicapped and other birds sense that. They can be picked on by the other members of the flock. But mixing similar sized birds is just fine. You could put any dual purpose or large fowl in with your Marans and be just fine.

 

[3chickchicks]

My entire flock is composed to different breeds. They are just fine. They paired up by when they were added, not by what they look like. For example, the original birds are best buds with each other. The newer birds are best buds with each other. They all get along fairly well.

 

[leahmeit]

Thanks! I didn't want to put any of them in harms way, so I'm glad you've all confirmed that it wouldn't be a problem.