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lualshannon said:
Hi,

I completely agree with you as to not mixing aggressive breeds with the gentle ones. My birds' yard is about 1/2 acre with trees and many bushes. My New Hampshire, and Orpington chickens are definitely one of the largest, and heaviest "Heritage" birds where my cock birds vary between 9-13+ pounds, and the hens are not too far behind, are very gentle birds. I've had Orpingtons about 30 yrs., and at times they lived with much smaller breeds where I have never experienced aggression towards these smaller breeds. Of course bloodlines can play a big role in their temperament. New Hampshires are relatively new breed for me which I had the most pleasant experience with them so far. I think the size of the birds' yard plays a big role in keeping harmony, or aggression amongst the birds. Even the smallest and gentlest breeds will tend to harass each other if kept in very close proximity. But, on the other hand, when it comes to the Gamebirds, entirely different rules apply. I would not mix them with any other breed regardless of their size. I have Ko Shamo ( about 1- 1 1/2 pounds) , which are true bantams, and I would never fathom keeping them together with any of my NHs., or Orps., where the big birds' life definitely would be in danger. My birds adds joy to my life, and would never allow any one of them to have stressful life.

Lual
Click to expand...

Yes, I have talked with owners who have larger properties and don't have as much aggression problems as we who have small suburban backyards. We have a very small yard and can only have 5 hens, no roos - so having gentle breeds that get along without bullying is crucial for us. Glad you are enjoying your NHs -- I had a single NH hen years ago as a pet and she was a joy but I understand they can be just as assertive as RIRs in a mixed flock. I chuckled about your Ko Shamo not mixing with other breeds -- I don't think Game Birds even get along with each other, do they?
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Sylvester017 said:
lualshannon said:
 


Hi,

I completely agree with you as to not mixing aggressive breeds with the gentle ones. My birds' yard is about 1/2 acre with trees and many bushes. My New Hampshire, and  Orpington chickens are definitely one of the largest, and heaviest "Heritage" birds where my cock birds vary between 9-13+ pounds, and the hens are not too far behind, are very gentle birds. I've had Orpingtons about 30 yrs., and at times they lived with much smaller breeds where I have never experienced aggression towards these smaller breeds. Of course bloodlines can play a big role in their temperament. New Hampshires are relatively new breed for me which I had the most pleasant experience with them so far. I think the size of the birds' yard plays a big role in keeping harmony, or aggression amongst the birds. Even the smallest and gentlest breeds will tend to harass each other if kept in very close proximity. But, on the other hand, when it comes to the Gamebirds, entirely different rules apply. I would not mix them with any other breed regardless of their size. I have Ko Shamo ( about  1- 1 1/2 pounds) , which are true bantams, and I would never fathom keeping them together with any of my NHs., or Orps., where the big birds' life definitely would be in danger. My birds adds joy to my life, and would never allow any one of them to have stressful life. 

Lual
Click to expand...



Yes, I have talked with owners who have larger properties and don't have as much aggression problems as we who have small suburban backyards.  We have a very small yard and can only have 5 hens, no roos - so having gentle breeds that get along without bullying is crucial for us.  Glad you are enjoying your NHs -- I had a single NH hen years ago as a pet and she was a joy but I understand they can be just as assertive as RIRs in a mixed flock.  I chuckled about your Ko Shamo not mixing with other breeds -- I don't think Game Birds even get along with each other, do they? :)
Click to expand...



I am utterly in love with Gamebirds for their intelligence, beauty, and idiosyncrasies. If I was allowed to have only 1 breed, it would be Gamebird. I don't believe any adult Gamebird cock can be trusted with each other, not even for a minute
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and same is true for the stags (cockerels) after a certain age which can vary from couple of weeks old to couple of months old, then they must be seperated. I am able to keep my Ko stags together for the first 3 mos. or so, and at the first sign they must be separated entirely. I remember my very first experience with 3 clutch brothers who loved and adored each other, and when I wanted to hold one, had to take all three for they cried for each other. Then, when they were 3 mos. old, on a beautiful spring morning a very serious and dangerous 3 way fight broke out, and thank God I was in the same room when it happened. If I was not, one, or perhaps all 3 would have been dead.

Ko hens do get along with each other if the introduction to each other is well planned and slow. I usually give them at least a month to get to know each other through adjacent cages. My Ko cockbirds has a harem of 3-5 hens, where they do everything together, including incubating eggs, rasing their chicks, and are excellent devoted parents. But, it is important to have enough chicks for adults to share. Having only 2-3 chicks for 6 adults never worked for me. Usually, one parent will try to claim all the babies....and ofcourse...there goes a fight over child custody...not a pretty sight...

Gamebirds are endless joy, who are very affectionate, and gentle with their owners. Well, that is a very good thing specially with the large breeds because 10-12 pounds of pure muscle and bones coming at you would definitely not be a good experience. Ohhh I love and adore Gamebirds
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Lual


1000

5 mos. old Ko Shamo stag and pullet. Walt Leonard/ Fowlman01, birds.
 
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Does anyone know where I can buy an egg color chart? I don't trust the online color. I would like a physical copy. Thanks.
 

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