Breeds together or apart?

[twinnersmom]

I am getting my chicken coop ready and have decided which chickens I would like to start with. Can I put them together? Do i need a male and female of each so that they will produce eggs? Any advice is welcome!

 

[Cats Critters]

Can I put them together?

Yes

Do i need a male and female of each so that they will produce eggs?

No, you don't need a rooster to get eggs, only to get fertile eggs (ones that can hatch into chicks if incubated)

Any advice is welcome!

Look around here and read lots, and don't be afraid to ask Questions!​

 

[horsegirl]

The only reason you would need a rooster of each breed is if you wanted to breed your birds and breed them true. But it sounds like you are just keeping them for fun, and in that case, you do not need a rooster at all. Chickens lay eggs whether they are fertile or not, it does not matter.

Different breeds of chickens can stay together just fine, some breeds tend to be more flightly and others agressive and others docile, but usually they will find a way to all get along, just like people.

 

[twinnersmom]

I want some orpingtons, but the info I have found says that when placed with other chicks that they were the bottom of the totem pole and I want them to make it.

 

[Clay In Iowa]

Quote:
Sorry I had to laugh at this. I have 6 Orpingtons in with 8 Barnevelders and 4 Ameraucanas. All 2 weeks old. The Orps rule the roost at this point. They are out growing everything else and getting the lions share of treats. I don't think they are as meek as some would have you believe.

Now if the other chicks were much older it might be a different story. But if that were the case any chick two weeks junior(to a point) will be very low on the Totem.

 

[wegotchickens]

Just get at least 2 Orpingtons. Or 2 of each color of bird.
I have 2 BO's, and the bigger one is boss.

A friend got one, and 2 each of her other breeds, and the BO was picked on. It was the only buff-colored bird.
My birds definitely pair/group themselves by color!

 

[twinnersmom]

oh good! My husband was trying to convince me to get them or not get them as chicks so they would make it, but apparently no worries needed! Thanks!

 

[melissastraka]

i have buffs orps, rir, ee, bs, slw, & br all together and my bo, bertha, rules all 75 (more in the house and on the way

) she is really sweet and loves to have my kids carry her around. she even seems to rule the roo. if he starts crowing and she doesnt like it she will chase him off.

 

[RIVERA69R]

I have 3 buff orphingtons and 3 barred rocks both breed so far have been awesome