Can I get pekins?

[peafowl_Lover]

Hi, I am wanting to add to my flock, it's a mixed flock of layers and a few purebred hens, I have a disabled rooster, he's medium in size. I an interested in cochins and maybe a Polish, would I be able to have them with the rest of my flock? Thanks

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I'd be careful adding a single polish. It's best to add a group of them as a single one may attract unwanted attention with the unusual crest of feathers. I have multiple polish, and bantam cochins AKA pekins in my mix breed flock without problems. I do have a large shed for mine and they aren't confined to a run. Confined, or crowded birds may show more aggression. So it can depend on your setup.

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

I'd be careful adding a single polish. It's best to add a group of them as a single one may attract unwanted attention with the unusual crest of feathers. I have multiple polish, and bantam cochins AKA pekins in my mix breed flock without problems. I do have a large shed for mine and they aren't confined to a run. Confined, or crowded birds may show more aggression. So it can depend on your setup.

This is good advice. Personally, I brought five Polish into a mixed flock and they still were picked on despite free-ranging and 20% protein food. I didn’t do well enough with nipping the habit initially. I am sure it can be done but my situation was so incredibly frustrating that I would never do that again.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

This is good advice. Personally, I brought five Polish into a mixed flock and they still were picked on despite free-ranging and 20% protein food. I didn’t do well enough with nipping the habit initially. I am sure it can be done but my situation was so incredibly frustrating that I would never do that again.

Add in the nutty behaviours from the polish and it can get bad. Every flock is different. They are one breed to be cautious with, and to have a backup plan for.

 

[peafowl_Lover]

I think I'll just start a bantam flock with cochin, polish, silkies and maybe some Dutch.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I adore my bantam flock. Sounds like a great plan.

 

[peafowl_Lover]

I probably won't get them for a few more weeks, I'll set everything up then I'll get them after my holidays. I can't wait!

 

[Mrs. K]

Some people can get it to work, and some have a wreck. I think a separate flock would be best.