Do chickens do best with their own breed or can we mix?

[Marbleheader.]

Finally taking the plunge, and we're about to order some day-old chicks (pullets).

We'd prefer to get 4 different breeds for variety's sake, but I'm not sure if it's ok to do that or if we should stick with one or two breeds. Assuming it's ok, we're planning to get a White Rock, Barred Rock, Rhode Island, and Buff Oprington.

What should we do?

 

[rancher hicks]

I have eight different breeds and they do fine. Even added some newbies and they are ok. All in the same run and coop.

 

[Marlinchaser]

Get the variety

Oh yeah and

 

[shelleyd2008]

If given the choice, many of mine seem to like birds of their own breed, or similar to what they look like (bantam cochins like the silkies for example). But they will all get along together. There are some breeds that seem to prefer their own kind more than others, but if they are raised together they will prefer being with the birds they know.

 

[ShaggysGirl]

Variety is the spice of life

 

[yellowchickensmomma]

I have several different kinds and they all get along like one big happy family.

 

[rancher hicks]

Quote:
Tell that to my ex wife.

 

[RAWR]

you can mix them

i had a cochin, SLW, Barred Rocks, EEs,Buff Orps, and Mottled Japanese Bantams mixed all together

 

[ShaggysGirl]

Quote:
Tell that to my ex wife.

 

[Maryallison]

Oh...get a variety!

If they all look different it is easier to name them!