BYC Café

[room onthebroom]

Well, it is 34 and snowing... Gardening? What is that?
View attachment 1822423
Hot coffee anyone...

Is this normal?

 

[DobieLover]

So many of the problems I read about are because they've mixed breeds. It's pointless mentioning this because people do not want to hear this.

I've read this from you multiple times. I have a very mixed flock of 18 breeds in a flock of 26. I've not seen behavioral issues. The WLHs stick together only at roosting time but they are side by side in the ranking. The only other times I've seen same breeds hanging out are with the two Cuckoo Marans chicks. Otherwise they all intermingle.

 

[Shadrach]

Lots of people keep mixed breeds successfully. I'm not saying it can't be done.
One of each breed often works well if there are not major size differences.
With two or three of each breed in a mixed breed flock, especially if the flock is large the breeds have a tendency to stick together. There has been some research done on this.
As an example problem there was a post awhile back about bullying (I know, aren't there always) A bit through the thread you find out that the bullies were the same breed and a much larger breed than the victims.
Often post on over mating damage have completely overlooked the fact that the rooster is just too big for the hens because he's a different breed.
Sure, a smaller rooster of a different breed would work. It doesn't have to be the same breed but it helps.
I have mixed breeds. They don't live together but they all rub along in their way.

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Now you're my heroine.
I write about chickens preferring their own breeds quite often. I get verbally stoned.
The problem is it goes against the pick and mix attitude many here on BYC have.
So many of the problems I read about are because they've mixed breeds. It's pointless mentioning this because people do not want to hear this.
I've had one joint sit in eight years. Two sisters and it didn't go well.

Haha, really?? That's too funny. My husband and I talk about it quite often. They even roost together. I'll have to get a picture of the four that always sleep side by side on the top roost. Pretty obvious that chickens are a bit of a racist bunch

What happened with the sisters? Did one pick on babies? I just figured this was normal and since they raised them together (sitting at night and bunched up outside during the day) it was like a nanny type of thing. I guess we'll see how this next one goes...

 

[igorsMistress]

Well, it is 34 and snowing... Gardening? What is that?
View attachment 1822423
Hot coffee anyone...

That is crazy! It's June right?

 

[Shadrach]

Haha, really?? That's too funny. My husband and I talk about it quite often. They even roost together. I'll have to get a picture of the four that always sleep side by side on the top roost. Pretty obvious that chickens are a bit of a racist bunch

What happened with the sisters? Did one pick on babies? I just figured this was normal and since they raised them together (sitting at night and bunched up outside during the day) it was like a nanny type of thing. I guess we'll see how this next one goes...

What happened with the sisters is they had an egg breaking competition. It was a long time ago and I didn't know what I know now. Isn't that always the way.
Basically the nest wasn't suitable and I should have moved them.

 

[ronott1]

They got put in an empty quail cage for quarantine when I bought them, and I am working on making the packing crate coop for them. They laid their eggs up in the quail loft that has a ramp leading up to it. Pretty hard to get pictures, but I will try. Papa gets out daily and struts around crowing. He is loud for a little guy. The roo called the hens out for treats this morning, and they both went, which is unusual. I got a chance to put water in their dish without getting pecked for once!

How fun!

 

[ronott1]

Lots of people keep mixed breeds successfully. I'm not saying it can't be done.
One of each breed often works well if there are not major size differences.
With two or three of each breed in a mixed breed flock, especially if the flock is large the breeds have a tendency to stick together. There has been some research done on this.
As an example problem there was a post awhile back about bullying (I know, aren't there always) A bit through the thread you find out that the bullies were the same breed and a much larger breed than the victims.
Often post on over mating damage have completely overlooked the fact that the rooster is just too big for the hens because he's a different breed.
Sure, a smaller rooster of a different breed would work. It doesn't have to be the same breed but it helps.
I have mixed breeds. They don't live together but they all rub along in their way.

It seems that mixing breeds can be a problem if you are mixing ones with very different behavior traits. I kept the mediterranean breeds away from the more traditional US breeds. If you get the layer mix from McMurray you will likely be fine! Toss in some Penedesencas and you may have trouble.

I had a layer flock with 10 or so different breeds and they did fine.

 

[N F C]

The only time I've had a problem with mixing breeds was when a hatchery sent me a Polish as a "bonus". Poor little guy didn't stand much of a chance against the big dual purpose girls. That mop on his head was just way too attractive to the others.

 

[getaclue]

I don't mix breeds either.