Chicken varieties ok together?

[Krazyquilts]

I have a mixed all-rooster flock including Orpingtons, Barnevelders, and bantams, and they all get along just fine, possibly because they are all united in their quest to eat their feed before the sheep do lol. Personally, I wouldn't put Silkies in with any other types besides bantams because the Silkies' head poofs give them such visibility issues, but that's just my opinion. I'd be very interested to hear from someone who has successfully kept Silkies in with bigger chickens. (Obviously not putting bitty silkie hens in with big roosters.)

 

[PugNut]

We're fascinated with the different kinds of chickens and would love to have a variety. It sounds like it might be ok as a mix, but that we should have a back up plan for the bantams if needed.

Welcome! I'm actually in the same boat as you. Getting my first chicks in the spring and still trying to narrow down breeds. Buff Orps and Speckled Sussex are my definites, but I love quite a few others. I'm trying to stick with gentler breeds.
Today I just read Salmon Faverolle described as "socially awkward" so I think they might be my spirit animal.

 

[OFChickens]

LOL, another poultry-holic in the making

Oh my gosh that's funny! I think he totally is another poultry-holic in the making! We took him to the fair this summer and he was completely caught up with the chickens. My husband (who wants ducks) kept showing him the beautiful ducks on show. Our oldest would barely look and say, "Uh-huh. OH MOMMY look at this CHICKEN over here!!!" So funny! Good effort on my husband's part. Didn't work We're going with chickens

 

[N F C]

Oh my gosh that's funny! I think he totally is another poultry-holic in the making! We took him to the fair this summer and he was completely caught up with the chickens. My husband (who wants ducks) kept showing him the beautiful ducks on show. Our oldest would barely look and say, "Uh-huh. OH MOMMY look at this CHICKEN over here!!!" So funny! Good effort on my husband's part. Didn't work We're going with chickens

Just a warning...some people consider chickens a gateway to other types of poultry addition. Ducks may be in your DH's future yet!

 

[OFChickens]

I also have a mixed flock that were all raised together from chicks. I have noticed that the specific breeds do tend to band together, and the pecking order is also in line of breed. The Rhode Island Reds see to be at the top, Barred Plymouth Rock next, then Buff Orpington and at the bottom are the Easter Eggers.

Thank you for your input, this is good information for me as I'm taking it all in! Based on your experiences, I think most of our hopeful mix will be ok. I'm a little worried about the couple of little silkies we'd like in the mix due to their little size, but maybe we see how they do and pull the couple out for a coop of their own if needed.

 

[OFChickens]

Just a warning...some people consider chickens a gateway to other types of poultry addition. Ducks may be in your DH's future yet!

Lol! Yep. I think you're right! I hatched and raised some ducks in the past, and my husband just loves them. We have the chain linked 6' high fencing for our pastures for safer spot, and he has plans for a little duck pond... he even tried duck eggs, says they are great... he gets to have his ducks whenever he wants

 

[OFChickens]

Welcome! I'm actually in the same boat as you. Getting my first chicks in the spring and still trying to narrow down breeds. Buff Orps and SpeefinE]


YES- the faverolles are a definite on our list! All reports seem that are that they are so gentle! We're with same thought as you with looking for the gentler breeds. Speckled Sussex? Now I have to read up on those! LOL!

 

[OFChickens]

I have a mixed all-rooster flock including Orpingtons, Barnevelders, and bantams, and they all get along just fine, possibly because they are all united in their quest to eat their feed before the sheep do lol. Personally, I wouldn't put Silkies in with any other types besides bantams because the Silkies' head poofs give them such visibility issues, but that's just my opinion. I'd be very interested to hear from someone who has successfully kept Silkies in with bigger chickens. (Obviously not putting bitty silkie hens in with big roosters.)

Ok thank you, your response fits what I'm most concerned about - the little silkies are actually what I'm thinking of the most. We will have all singles in each breed I mentioned, with the silkies being the only pair or trio. For that I'm hoping they will hold their own. It sounds like from another posting that breeds tend to stick together, but I don't want the littlest loves to be compromised!

 

[OFChickens]

I also have a mixed flock that were all raised together from chicks. I have noticed that the specific breeds do tend to band together, and the pecking order is also in line of breed. The Rhode Island Reds see to be at the top, Barred Plymouth Rock next, then Buff Orpington and at the bottom are the Easter Eggers.

Thank you for the input on the breeds from your experience! I'm taking all info in! The best is to get information from people that have background with chickens! From what you're saying on pecking order, I might put special care to the favorelle and silkies!

 

[rjohns39]

Just a warning...some people consider chickens a gateway to other types of poultry addition. Ducks may be in your DH's future yet!

X2 for me it was chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese in the spring.