Advice for happy hen diversity!!

[Ted&Cecilia]

Hello all,

Ted and I just discovered this site! We have a beautiful chicken coop coming in a few weeks, and are looking at breeds!

Here is our question: what do we need to do to keep a happy hen house? Do the breeds need to all be the same- not just the same size? Do all of the hens need to be gotten on the same day so that there aren't any new ones?

We'd like to have some meat hens and don't know how to reintroduce new birds- do we have to slaughter them all at the same time, or can we introduce a couple of new ones at a time.... Help! And thanks!

Ted and Cecilia

 

[nuchickontheblock]

Hi and

I can't answer your specific questions, as we have only had 3 "sisters" that we got as pullets last year, but I know you will get lots of info in the forum.

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[azygous]

Congratulations on your happy chicken adventure! But, a warning - you run the risk of falling in love with these charming little beasties!

I have several different breeds all happily coexisting. Unlike humans, chickens are blissfully unaware of their differences in appearance. They're all just chickens to each other. However, age will make a crucial difference in how they will get along.

If you obtain a batch of chicks, all the same age, even several different breeds, they will grow up together as a family unit, forming a permanent bond with one another. You'll have a mix of different personalities, to be sure. Some will be bolder than the others, and some may be skittish, and some breeds tend to be aggressive, while others tend to be more mellow.

If you decide to add some more chicks into the mix a few months later, there will be the problem of integrating the younger ones with the older ones. Chickens can be brutal to younger new-comers. But it's not an insurmountable problem. When that time comes, we'll be happy to coach you!

You're going to have the time of your lives, I assure you!

 

[frizzleman74]

in order to have a happy hen house you'll need the basics: an elevated waterer and feeder, pine shavings or hay, nest boxes, and a roost (2x4 or a branch). Chickens would love to have a run if possible! As for breeds there are sooooo many to chose from. It depends whether your looking for a pet or an egg layer. Good meet birds include cornish's, barred rocks etc... Egg layers: Rhode island reds (brown eggs), Leghorn (white eggs), or any sex link (black star, red star, etc...) As for pets, cochins and silkies are said to be the most friendly birds you can have in your flock! i love mine, they're very sweet! Additionally, keeping bantams and standards in the coop is not an issue, just make sure to keep on eye on them when they're first introduced until the pecking order is established. There are many breeds that are ornamental and that lay well such as golden and silver laced wyandottes! Also easter eggers are a fun breed to have because they lay blue and green eggs...Theres so many fun breeds to chose from, good luck! hope i helped!!

 

[motoclown]

Research your needs, do you want egg layers, meat birds, fancy breeds, warm climate or cold etc....
And the size of your coop does matter.

 

[gryeyes]

I have a mixed flock of many different breeds AND with bantam and LF (Large fowl) flock members. All different ages. Because of that, I do not feed them layer feed, because the extra calcium is not good for young, growing pullets; they should only get it once they start to lay. Since I keep adding more to the flock, it would be too hard to separate them to feed them separately. They all range freely.

So I feed the equivalent of Flock Raiser (I use All Flock from Nutrena) to everybody, including the ducks. Crushed oyster shell is provided, free choice, for those layers who need it.

I absolutely love the look of a mixed flock - just posted a slew of photos of some of my flock at https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=6236546#p6236546 if you want to look at an example of diversity.

Edited to add:

You are going to love BYC and all the information - and people - you can access in the many forums!

 

[Chick Charm]

I would do some searching on this site and you are assured to find the answers you seek.

I personally (as of right now) have 13 chickens in my backyard.

In coop #1 I have 2Easter Eggers hens, 2 Barred Rocks hens, & 2 Modern Stilt Legged Bantams (1 roo and 1 hen) that are 8 weeks old. In Coop #2 I have 1 Rhode Island Red hen, 1 White Leghorn hen and 1 Tiny Bantam roo that are 5 weeks old. Along with 4 HUGE Cornish X's that are also 5 weeks old. They free range all day every day all together. The Modern Bantam roo rules the roost but all is well.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/65954_dsc_0174.jpg

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/65954_dsc_0251.jpg