Best breed to get along with Buff Orpingtons?

[6of6chicks]

I have six 9-week old buff orpingtons, and I'm already looking at expanding my little flock and introducing some variety. What breed(s) would be best to integrate with a buff orpington flock?

I've been reading a lot of threads about introducing new birds, and it seems like some breeds are more aggressive/less tolerant than others. I'd like another breed for variety, but I don't have any preferences as far as looks or egg color. My only concern is flock harmony. Any recommendations?

 

[ChazzanHillel]

I have 2 BO pullets about 6 months old and a bantam BO that's probably a year and a half maybe. Out of the rest of my flock, they get along best with what I was told are RIRs. I say this because, after doing some research, it appears that my birds look more like Buckeys than RIRs. I actually stumbled upon this post looking for a "Buckeye breed" thread.

 

[Michael OShay]

I would personally avoid RIRs are they can sometimes be aggressive. I had to cull some of them from my flock (back when I had them) for agressive behavior (It's why I don't have RIRs anymore). I would suggest getting Black Australorps. They have the same calm, gentle personality as the Orpingtons (not surprising since they were originally bred using Orpington stock) and they are better layers than the Orpingtons (generally the best layers of all the brown egg laying standard breeds). Some other breeds that are gentle and calm and would mix well with your Orpingtons are Cochins, Brahmas, Sussex, and Faverolles, although none of them will lay as well as the Black Australorps.

 

[Michael OShay]

I would personally avoid RIRs are they can sometimes be aggressive. I had to cull some of them from my flock (back when I had them) for agressive behavior (It's why I don't have RIRs anymore). I would suggest getting Black Australorps. They have the same calm, gentle personality as the Orpingtons (not surprising since they were originally bred using Orpington stock) and they are better layers than the Orpingtons (generally the best layers of all the brown egg laying standard breeds). Some other breeds that are gentle and calm and would mix well with your Orpingtons are Cochins, Brahmas, Sussex, and Faverolles, although none of them will lay as well as the Black Australorps.

P.S. I've had many Buff Orpingtons and Black Australorps over the years (still have them), and have never had an aggressive one in either breed. Good luck.