I am a "newbie" and have 5 Buff Orpingtons and 5 Araucanas coming on June 26th from a local farm supply store (5 was the min order for any breed). I was just wondering if these two breeds get along? After reading some posts I realized there may be issues with mixing breeds. I also have 5 "meat" chickens coming on the same date. I will keep these birds in a separate pen because I know they will be much bigger than the layers.
I have been working on my coop and run and it should be ready by the time the chicks arrive (although I will have them in a brooder box in my basement initially). It is a 6' x 6' coop with a 6'x 16' run. The birds will be locked in the coop at night. I understand that you need ~4sqft/bird min. I was thinking that I might have to take one or two of the Buff Orpingtons as meat birds so I only have 8 to 9 birds in the coop. I read that Buffs are good layers or good for meat. I don't think Arauconas are. Will reducing the number of Buff Orps be an issue? The Aracanas would outnumber the more docile Buffs.
Thanks,
Brian
I have been working on my coop and run and it should be ready by the time the chicks arrive (although I will have them in a brooder box in my basement initially). It is a 6' x 6' coop with a 6'x 16' run. The birds will be locked in the coop at night. I understand that you need ~4sqft/bird min. I was thinking that I might have to take one or two of the Buff Orpingtons as meat birds so I only have 8 to 9 birds in the coop. I read that Buffs are good layers or good for meat. I don't think Arauconas are. Will reducing the number of Buff Orps be an issue? The Aracanas would outnumber the more docile Buffs.
Thanks,
Brian