Can I mix breeds?

[AppleCrisp]

Hello.

I might be getting some chicks soon(my first ones ever!)
and I want to know if I can mix up breeds and keep them together. I really want silkies, and a couple other breeds. Is it okay to mix banties with standards?
I think I might get 3-6 chicks and me and my dad will build a coop and pen. But I was also wondering if you think my local feed store would offer a variety of breeds or what.

Thanks alot!

 

[Whirlwind]

Yep you can mix breeds. Also you can put standards and banty's together. I have golden comets, BR's and my rooster is OEG bantam. They will establish a pecking order so each one knows its place. If you raise them together they will get along better than mixing them later. But I have done this also and they eventually sort it out. You will really enjoy them. Have fun.
My feed store does offer a variety but only in the spring and fall.

 

[AppleCrisp]

Thanks.

How much can I expect to pay for silkies? It will be a while before I get any chickens, I want to have the coop built, or at least started. So when there out of the brooder it will be ready for them.

In spring I'll go to a feed store to check out what they got, and if not there's a fair that might have chicks for sale.

BTW Does any one have pictures of a mixed flock?

 

[mdbucks]

most times feed store will start with a couple of different breeds, depends on feedstore though. Check with them, they may be able to order the breeds you want when they order thiers or you could just order them on your own. I have banties in with my REAL chickens, and they are doing fine. I dont do silkies they are evil, if you dont believe me read this thread. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=22597

 

[allen wranch]

I don't mix standards and bantams because of the size difference.

When a standard roo reaches maturity, he will mate anything he can. The damage to a bantam hen can be serious, if not lethal. A bantam roo and standard hens have a better chance.

 

[mdbucks]

Quote:

this is part of my flock I ordered Pullet pack from Meyer Hatcheries

 

[AppleCrisp]

Oh, I don't plan on having any roo's... to loud. Which actually brings up another question, what do you do with unwanted roo's?
I love the pics! you have a pretty flock!

I'll make sure to talk to the feed store, they might be able to work something out, my dad works with them. hehe. I love having connections.

 

[mdbucks]

If you order your chicks they sex them 95% accuracy (I got 1 out of 25). Though most places dont sex banties, not sure about silkies. Feed store may order all pullets, again check withthem to see what they order. As far as getting rid of roos, either dress them for the freezer, or give them away, and dont ask what they plan to do with them.

 

[silkiechicken]

As for breed availability, it will depend on the feed store. I know the closest one to me has about 6 standard breeds in may-june and that is it. Drive out about another half hour and you can literally find dozens of breeds, from March to july, in both standard and banties. Expect chicks from a feed store to be 3-6 bucks each depending on breed.

I eat extra roosters.

 

[AppleCrisp]

Thanks.
I guess this is gonna sound bad... but if I end up getting a roo I might give it away, then just buy another hen.

Are some breeds of chickens more expensive then others?
Also how can I tell if it's a roo? asides from crowing?

Edit: Thanks. I'll check with local feed stores.

I don't know if I'd feel bad eating a extra roo...