Advice on which new chicks to add

[Chescochickens]

Hi all,

I currently have a mixed flock of 10 hens - 3 silkies, 3 lavender Orpingtons, 1 buff Orpington, 1 speckled Sussex, and 2 Cochins. I want to add more chicks as 5 of the hens are older but am afraid of bullying. My speckled Sussex is missing back feathers and I think one of the lavender Orpingtons is bullying her. They are both lowest in the pecking order with the silkies sort of keeping to themselves. What breeds could I add that will not bully the Sussex and the silkies? Our local feed store is getting buff Orpingtons, barred Plymouth rocks, and Easter Eggers. Would you add any of those or just hold off for more Cochins and speckled Sussex? They’ve been hard to find these days!

 

[Noraaaaa]

My buff orpingtons have been super freindly and are always my go-to for nice chickens! EEs can be a lil spicy and idk about Plymouth rocks.

 

[Birdslave]

I would have said Barred Plymouth rocks. They really are so sweet.
I got mine from Purely Poultry. I don't know how everyone feels about them, but I got great stock (" ") from them. No problems.

They also are great layers. And very smart. I had mine with word commands, no fence, and knowing when to go to bed. Lol. They were darlings.

 

[Chescochickens]

I’m so tempted by the Barred Rocks because I’ve heard great things but then read that they can bully a bit. I like my buff Orpington but she definitely holds her own. I guess I may need to get comfortable with a few arguments while they all get acclimated. I just don’t want to add anyone who is going to bully consistently.

 

[Birdslave]

It all has to do with territory.
Start the young ones, as we all know; off to a side area where they can see the others. Then allow them to slowly enter the pecking order.

I think the fights quell with enough "private" to the side "I call on this feeder, A-hole" situation. Lol.
Then with the nesting areas, allow for free choice. Everyone calls on their own deal. Just like humans. But birds are wonderful.Most people don't know. Maybe a good thing. Lol.

 

[Chescochickens]

I have a separate area to brood them where they will be visible to the older girls. I have 7 nesting boxes and a ground box for the silkies and they all lay in the silkie box! It’s ridiculous! I will provide extra feeders though.

 

[Birdslave]

I have a separate area to brood them where they will be visible to the older girls. I have 7 nesting boxes and a ground box for the silkies and they all lay in the silkie box! It’s ridiculous! I will provide extra feeders though.

I'm laughing, because I have silkies, and they [my other birds] sure think they get better treatment and I get it ! Other birds are always getting in their area thinking the grass is always greener. (I say, It's ALL the same, you guys !!)

 

[Chescochickens]

I'm laughing, because I have silkies, and they [my other birds] sure think they get better treatment and I get it ! Other birds are always getting in their area thinking the grass is always greener. (I say, It's ALL the same, you guys !!)

Haha chickens really are funny. If we could be inside their heads!