Battling hens!

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Um...but are they agressive? And i dont heat my coop(s).

No they are not aggressive birds. They tame down really nicely and are docile with people and other chickens. I never heat my coops and mine did just fine. They grew in a lot of butt fluff.

 

[roosterhavoc]

None of the breeds mentioned are aggressive. All will do just fine in a a coop and run large enough for the amount of birds you have.
No coop needs to be heated in NJ.

 

[Cryss]

None of the breeds mentioned are aggressive. All will do just fine in a a coop and run large enough for the amount of birds you have.
No coop needs to be heated in NJ.

I converted my coop to accomadate my flock of 7. The attached run has been enclosed to accomplish this. The original upstairs, without the nesting area, accommodates 2 birds. The downstairs which used to be a run is 24 sq ft. I built my run to be 300 sq ft. And now, of course, I have the "guest house ", big enough for 1 bully or sick bird. Or can be used as an introduction coop for new young birds.
That being said I do want more chickens and will be working on a large walk in type, perhaps a shed conversion.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

How are your birds doing today Cryss?

 

[Cryss]

Hi @Brahma Chicken5000 !
Well so far Petra is behaving herself now that she has rejoined the flock. She is a bit dominant in the pecking order but none of the others are hiding from her or starving. Henneth has definitely regained her weight and looks so much healthier. Fraggle is in the guest house (that's what hubby named the coop you gave me). I notice she isn't noisy now that she is visually with the flock. When she and Petra were separated, Petra in the guest house and Fraggle on the patio, they would literally scream to each other, or maybe they were just screaming at me. Now they're quiet. Fraggle was the original bully so I'm concerned about letting her rejoin the gang. I might try Sunday or better yet Monday so I'm home to observe.
I will admit I'm considering rehoming the rocks. I'm hoping to be able to set up a larger walk in type coop next spring/summer and expand my flock. I'm realizing that the chickens I want to add are all non dominating and are prone to being bullied if included with more dominant breeds, like Barred Rocks. I had truly thought the Rocks would be gentle. They are fine with humans but dominate the flock, just as you said. Thank you for that insight. I didn't get that from my initial research on Rocks. And again thank you for the little coop. 1 Rock fits in it, I doubt 2 would be comfortable. Rocks are quite big birds! It's perfect for separating a bird for whatever reason needed. It's made this experience so much easier. I don't need to use the dog cage anymore, well except as a broody breaker.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Hi @Brahma Chicken5000 !
Well so far Petra is behaving herself now that she has rejoined the flock. She is a bit dominant in the pecking order but none of the others are hiding from her or starving. Henneth has definitely regained her weight and looks so much healthier. Fraggle is in the guest house (that's what hubby named the coop you gave me). I notice she isn't noisy now that she is visually with the flock. When she and Petra were separated, Petra in the guest house and Fraggle on the patio, they would literally scream to each other, or maybe they were just screaming at me. Now they're quiet. Fraggle was the original bully so I'm concerned about letting her rejoin the gang. I might try Sunday or better yet Monday so I'm home to observe.
I will admit I'm considering rehoming the rocks. I'm hoping to be able to set up a larger walk in type coop next spring/summer and expand my flock. I'm realizing that the chickens I want to add are all non dominating and are prone to being bullied if included with more dominant breeds, like Barred Rocks. I had truly thought the Rocks would be gentle. They are fine with humans but dominate the flock, just as you said. Thank you for that insight. I didn't get that from my initial research on Rocks. And again thank you for the little coop. 1 Rock fits in it, I doubt 2 would be comfortable. Rocks are quite big birds! It's perfect for separating a bird for whatever reason needed. It's made this experience so much easier. I don't need to use the dog cage anymore, well except as a broody breaker.

I’m happy that you are able to use that coop instead of it taking up room in my garage.
What breeds are you considering adding to your flock next year?

 

[Cryss]

What breeds are you considering adding to your flock next year?

I'm considering these breeds. Not all at once! When I'm ready I will let my breeder know what breeds I'm considering. As he has them in his inventory he will contact me. So I will add what becomes available. He does try to accommodate with whatever breeds you are looking for.
Maran copper
Ameraucana
Black Australop
Sussex
Partridge Orpington
Easter Egger
Faverolles
Frost white legbar
Any thoughts?

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I'm considering these breeds. Not all at once! When I'm ready I will let my breeder know what breeds I'm considering. As he has them in his inventory he will contact me. So I will add what becomes available. He does try to accommodate with whatever breeds you are looking for.
Maran copper
Ameraucana
Black Australop
Sussex
Partridge Orpington
Easter Egger
Faverolles
Frost white legbar
Any thoughts?

Sounds like a nice assortment. How come no white egg layers?

 

[Cryss]

So far my search hasn't found white egg layers that get along with other breeds. But of course I'm still learning. Any suggestions?

Sounds like a nice assortment. How come no white egg layers?

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

So far my search hasn't found white egg layers that get along with other breeds. But of course I'm still learning. Any suggestions?

Leghorns, Campines, or Andalusians are all docile breeds that would do fine in your flock.