Advice on chicken breed compatibility.

[MrIC]

The chicken cage things don't look like they would be a problem for toes, but I'd need to get one to take a look at before I decided.

Chicken Orb

Ultimately, regular free-ranging would be easier, I just hate leaving an opening for a raptor, and we wouldnt always be able to stay out with them. I've read keeping a rooster helps because they keep an eye out. Is that true?

I looked at the hardness, and they all appear to be suited to our area. We're about halfway between Tacoma and Mt. Rainier at 700' elevation. 8b is our USDA hardness zone.

And were open to a flock of a single breed if it's what's best, just not our first choice.

 

[BDutch]

I've read keeping a rooster helps because they keep an eye out. Is that true?

A good rooster is on watch and warns the hens to take cover if he sees a predator.
Some are even too heroic and sacrifices themselves for his flock.

You need many hiding places too, to be effective. Think of dense bushes or ones with thorns. Portuguese laurel, blackberry, etc. Whatever grows as undergrowth in your forest. Clutter like old chairs and tables helps too.

 

[Chickenpoonumber2]

I'm pretty new to chickens, but I got 2 of each kind. Red sex link, white leghorn, and chocolate orpingtons. There is a "birds of a feather" thing that I wasn't really expecting. The white leghorns have been my friendliest and smartest birds and my chocolate orpingtons are kinda buttholes

 

[Folly's place]

I like having birds of different breeds and colors, more interesting, easier to tell them apart, and egg color variety. Also, nobody molts at the same time, so someone is usually in lay, definitely better.
You will figure out who you like, and which breeds you wouldn't ever order again!
And I thought the buff Orphingtons we had years ago were idiots, and lived short. Never again!
Mary