Best Layers for Newbie

[Afrodigh]

I'm starting a backyard flock of four this spring. I'm looking for egg-layers that do well confined to a run (free ranging isn't an option). The run will be 4'x10'.

I've heard it's best to get hens in pairs so I'm thinking of two Barred Rocks and then two of another breed. I've heard Rhode Island Reds and Golden Comets can sometimes pick on other breeds so aren't good to mix, is that true? If so, which breed should I mix with the Barred Rocks? I'm leaning towards Buff Orpingtons or Ameraucanas - but I don't need broody birds (no looking to breed) and I've heard both can be broody.

Any suggestions?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That's a pretty small area. I might stick to bantams, or get only 3 large fowl, 4 may be too many. Definitely get some more gentle breeds that take confinement better. Faverolle and Orpingtons may work, but all chickens have different personalities. I would avoid sex links, RIR, and Wyandotte to name a few that come to mind.

 

[Afrodigh]

That's a pretty small area. I might stick to bantams, or get only 3 large fowl, 4 may be too many. Definitely get some more gentle breeds that take confinement better. Faverolle and Orpingtons may work, but all chickens have different personalities. I would avoid sex links, RIR, and Wyandotte to name a few that come to mind.

I was thinking of three originally (3 different breeds), but heard that it's best to do pairs to avoid a more aggressive pecking order - do you know if that's true?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I keep all kinds of breeds together. Pecking order generally is decided by attitude. I personally would keep 3 different breeds, so there's no one oddball, and you can tell them apart.

 

[JedJackson]

I'm starting a backyard flock of four this spring. I'm looking for egg-layers that do well confined to a run (free ranging isn't an option). The run will be 4'x10'.

I've heard it's best to get hens in pairs so I'm thinking of two Barred Rocks and then two of another breed. I've heard Rhode Island Reds and Golden Comets can sometimes pick on other breeds so aren't good to mix, is that true? If so, which breed should I mix with the Barred Rocks? I'm leaning towards Buff Orpingtons or Ameraucanas - but I don't need broody birds (no looking to breed) and I've heard both can be broody.

Any suggestions?

If you get all 3 at the same time from the same place there shouldn't be any problems. Or you could get 3 chicks and raise them yourself. The problems usually start when introducing new adults to a flock because they have to sort out a new pecking order and that means fighting. I think that is more important than breed. But if you want docile birds then Orpingtons are a good choice. If you want the very best layers, golden comets would be a good choice. Barred rocks are a nice happy medium.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

I'd go with the Barred Rocks and maybe EEs. If your ordering from a hatchery, or picking up at your local feed store, your probably getting EEs anyway. They can be fun because you never know what they're going to look like, EEs come in all colors, and they're eggs can be all different; from white to brown to green or blue.

 

[chickens really]

Personally I would get Orpington and EEs...Nice Docile Birds.

 

[Afrodigh]

Have people had bad experiences with mixing Golden Comets with other birds?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Have people had bad experiences with mixing Golden Comets with other birds?

They can find, and they can be trouble. Be sure to feed a higher protein ration as sex links can become deficient on a layer ration due to higher production, which can lead to aggression.

 

[coop410silkies]

My Barred Rock lives and does well with a mixed flock of RIR and Sussex chickens. She can be a bit of a stink sometimes. I do think many breeds like being with their own kind: my Red birds hang out with other red birds, the black with the black, the white with the white. Last year I tried out some California Whites, and I've found them to be among the most gentle of birds I've raised. Sure, they are easily startled, but they get along with everybody and form attachments to their owner, not so much to each other. They are not very big and can be comfortable in small spaces (although mine are good free rangers and love foraging). They lay prolifically, x-large white eggs. The production Reds I bought are also very docile with other birds - and they are great producers of large beautiful terra cotta eggs. They are not big birds, either. Crowding and nutritional deficiencies are your greatest enemies when it comes to dysfunctional behavior in confined chickens.