Can I have a completely mixed flock?

[Jdc361]

Thanks!!!

 

[Wyandottes7]

Welcome!

I'm glad you joined the BYC "flock".

Yes, you can have a completely mixed flock. As long as they have enough space, most breeds get along well together, especially if you choose breeds with similar temperaments. I personally enjoy mixed flocks, because you see such a variety of birds and get many differents shades of eggs.

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC. Glad you decided to our flock. You can definitely mix different breeds of chickens as long as they are of similar size and not overcrowded. I would avoid mixing standard sized breeds with bantams or the crested breeds. If you live in an area with really cold winter temperatures as they are not as cold hardy as the dual purpose breeds and their combs are definitely subject to frostbite (often even vaseline won't help with Leghorn combs). If you are thinking of going with Leghorns for their excellent egg production, I would recommend going with Black Sex Links (Black Stars), which are egg laying machines, instead. Not only are they friendlier than Leghorns (which are flighty and high strung), but they are more persistent layers in really cold winter weather than Leghorns. I've raised Black Sex Links for years (along with dozens of other breeds and hybrids, including Leghorns), and they have been my best layers, consistently churning out more than 300 eggs per hen per year, even in areas with really cold winters. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Whatever breeds or hybrids you decide to get, good luck with your flock.

 

[6275Smith]

Welcome!

You came to the right place for chicken information. Lots of good info just in this thread alone.

 

[sunflour]

Glad you joined us. Good luck on your selections.

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

I have kept bantams, standard, and crested fowl together without any issues. You might find it a lot of work to try to keep a large-combed Mediteranian breed like a leghorn in a cold climate.l

 

[drumstick diva]

Not only is frostbite disfiguring to the comb but, it is very painful to the bird. I know people raising Icelandics (rugged breed) are breeding for, and keeping the ones with sma, flat combs hopefully to avoid frostbite issues.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC!

 

[ChickyChickens]

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[BantamLover21]

I'm glad you joined our "flock!"

Yes, you can definitely have a mixed flock. In fact, mixed flocks are often the most fun, with all of those different colors, body shapes, and egg colors!

White Leghorns are somewhat susceptible to frostbite, which makes them not very cold hardy.