Are any of these breeds incompatible in a mixed flock?

[danceswithronin]

Thanks everyone! This is so helpful!

Kind of disappointed about the barred rocks, I liked the balance they struck between being practical (egg-layers) and fun/friendly. But if they are aggressive to other birds that won't do, as I'm pretty sure I want to start out with a mixed flock, at least until we decide what our favorites are.

I don't care if the Wyandottes are aloof as long they don't hurt the other hens. It'd be great if there were some friendly/approachable birds in the flock too, especially while my boys are young.

So, it seems like the Orpingtons, Brahmas, EE would be okay in a flock, with Wyandottes generally being aloof (and occasionally aggressive), and barred rocks maybe too assertive for the gentle breeds.

I haven't had any problems keeping a Wyandotte and the Orps together, they basically ignore each other (opposite ends of the pecking order or something).

Also the approachability of the birds depends a lot on how much daily time you spend with them, talking to them and giving them treats and stuff like that. I'm sure you could tame down some of the more aloof or flighty breeds, it would just take more effort than with the friendly/relaxed/curious breeds like Orpington, Sussex, and EEs.

The only layer chicken breeds I've ever heard aggression towards other chickens associated with are leghorns, Rhode Island Reds (who have a particularly bad rap for that), and New Hampshire Reds.

 

[SueT]

Whatever breeds you get, there will be a pecking order, and one of them will be in charge. One will be lowest, and the others in between.
I think you're wise trying to level the playing field by getting breeds with similar temperaments. I wish I had known about this with my first birds. I thought all chickens were just chickens.

 

[Cryss]

With my genteel flock I'm actually going to add a leghorn for white eggs and productivity. I'm hoping it isn't flock domineering. Actually I don't mind if it's the boss as long as it isn't a bully about it. I've heard, or read, conflicting information on their dispositions so I'll take the gamble.

 

[No More Empty Nest]

Just to show that they do have different personalities, I have 3 EEs that won't let me touch them and had a Polish that I could pick up anytime.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

My older flock of 8 hens consists of 5 BOs, 2 EEs and an OE. I have never observed any aggression among them. But I have never really interacted much with this bunch other than to thrown them kitchen scraps and scratch grains daily. They come running for that, of course, but I don't pick them up.

My new flock of 7-week old chicklets consists of 5 BLs and 13 EEs. These girls I do interact with, hand feed treats twice daily, talk to them, spend time with them and have picked up some of them, but not all. Again, I see no aggression in them toward one another, which is something I really like about EEs. They are just so chill!

The BLs are totally non-starters as far as human socializing, which is rather disappointing. From Day One they would just run and hide in a corner and I didn't want to traumatize them further by forcing my attentions on them.

In nature, only a predator would pick up a baby chicken, and for one purpose only. The BLs just haven't had that natural terror bred out of them, I guess. I will not pick them up unless there is no other option. But since the EEs don't seem to mind, I am going to get them as comfortable with the idea as possible!

 

[TwoShepherds]

Would a speckled sussex be a better choice than a barred rock for the mix of breeds I'm considering?

Has anyone kept a Swedish Flower Hen?--they were listed on the website and seemed intriguing, but the description outlined their appearance more than their temperaments.

 

[Birds of a Feather]

Actually, most breeds are probably suitable for a backyard flock, and a lot of it depends on personal preferences.

 

[danceswithronin]

Would a speckled sussex be a better choice than a barred rock for the mix of breeds I'm considering?

Has anyone kept a Swedish Flower Hen?--they were listed on the website and seemed intriguing, but the description outlined their appearance more than their temperaments.

I have a Speckled Sussex, she is one of my two favorites of the flock. A very active and curious breed, almost fearless. Mine is the dominant pullet in my flock and all the other chicks follow her lead. I have not seen her show any aggression towards any of the other chicks though, I think they are quite friendly.

 

[jolenesdad]

Would a speckled sussex be a better choice than a barred rock for the mix of breeds I'm considering?

Has anyone kept a Swedish Flower Hen?--they were listed on the website and seemed intriguing, but the description outlined their appearance more than their temperaments.

I was just coming here to say get a speckled Sussex for your kids. I absolutely support swapping the barred rock for speckled Sussex.

 

[Chickassan]

Another SS supporter. The one here isn't a pushover but she does not cause any trouble either.
Saw you are looking for birds that aren't great flyers, may I reccomend considering Faverolles they fly like a rock.