Bird Buddies!

[Newchickadee30]

Hello,
New to chickens here!
We were hoping to get a variety group of chickens, but I’m hearing mixed reviews about what breeds get a long with what breeds.
We are thinking we want about 5 layers and 25 meat birds.
Can anyone suggest 2-3 breeds that would coexist in harmony for the most part?
Thank you!

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

If they are raised together from newly hatched they will all pretty much get a long.

 

[BantyChooks]

Welcome! Personally, I've had very little trouble with mixing breeds; I think raising them together matters more. What climate do you live in? Are you looking for dual purpose birds for meat?

 

[sylviethecochin]

Similar sizes almost always get along, especially if raised together.

Crests and beards can sometimes be seen as deformities by the rest of the flock, if only one chicken has them. An odd chicken out will often be picked on. So don't get a single Polish, or a single silkie, if you're worried.

Really flighty hens are also at a disadvantage. So don't go putting a Sumatra in a flock of ISA browns.

High-production breeds/crosses such as California Whites or Barred Rocks or red sexlinks can be a bit aggressive. Extra space recommended, if you keep any of those sorts. (Though temperaments can vary, hatchery to hatchery). They still tend to get along pretty well in a mixed flock, and most keep them without any problems at all.

Other than that? Don't worry about it too much.

EDT: And take a look at this:
http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/hendersonschickenchart.pdf

 

[BantyChooks]

Similar sizes almost always get along, especially if raised together.

Crests and beards can sometimes be seen as deformities by the rest of the flock, if only one chicken has them. An odd chicken out will often be picked on. So don't get a single Polish, or a single silkie, if you're worried.

Really flighty hens are also at a disadvantage. So don't go putting a Sumatra in a flock of ISA browns.

High-production breeds/crosses such as California Whites or Barred Rocks or red sexlinks can be a bit aggressive. Extra space recommended, if you keep any of those sorts. (Though temperaments can vary, hatchery to hatchery). They still tend to get along pretty well in a mixed flock, and most keep them without any problems at all.

Other than that? Don't worry about it too much.

EDT: And take a look at this:
http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/hendersonschickenchart.pdf

IMO, how much space there is may be the most important factor at all.

 

[Newchickadee30]

Thank you all!
We actually have a very large chicken coop with lots of outdoor space.
The birds will all be coming from the sane hatchery, at the sane time and around the same age.
We live in Alberta Canada

 

[Mrs. K]

Meat chickens mean different things to different people. There are dual purpose birds, there are slow growing meat birds, I think they are called Rangers, and then there is the CX cross birds.

The first two can be raised and kept together with egg layers, of full size birds. The CX can eat a great deal, and if not carefully watched, might keep a smaller bird from getting enough. However, I raised a layer bird with mine last year, it was a goof on the order, and she held her own the 8 weeks we kept the meats.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

very large chicken coop

How big is that in feet by feet(or meters by meters)?

Is the outdoor space protected from the weather(rain and especially snow)?
ChickenCabinFever is real and it can get ugly!

Oh, and..... Welcome to BYC! @Newchickadee30
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