Different breeds

[Joecarbs]

Hi,
I’m planning on getting new hens very soon.
I might go with 1x white leghorns,
2x Isa Brown and 2x Plymouth Rock.
I’ve had Plymouth rocks in the past and they are very good layers. I enjoyed them very much.
I was wondering why some people steer away from hybrid chickens like the ISA brown.
Will they get along with other breeds?
they will all be around the same age 19-22 weeks.
Thanks

 

[Wezdin]

I don't have a problem with them, but from what I understand they are prone to laying disorders because of their super high production rate. Mine layed 350+ a year for 18 months then just stopped, almost completely. I also had a few suffer from prolapsed vents.

 

[Trimurtisan]

I've not had ISA browns, but I house around a dozen breeds together between ducks and chickens. I personality think it's each birds personality that makes the big difference.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I agree with both posters. I would not worry about their personalities, how they get along depends a lot more on the individual bird than breed.

The ISA Browns are the specialized commercial egg-laying hybrids. Through selective breeding they have been developed to be really efficient at converting feed to eggs. Because they are so specialized they are more prone to certain problems. That's a big reason the commercial operations feed them a 16% feed. If they overfeed them they are more prone to problems because the eggs get bigger. It can cause other problems too. This does not mean they won't develop issues even if you don't overfeed hem, they are fairly delicate. But they are less likely to develop problems if you don't feed them a rich diet.

They are not bred for longevity either. Typically they are only kept for two laying seasons, then replaced.

Not all hybrid chickens are like that. Some are no different than other breeds. But ISA Browns are commercial hybrids.