Does anyone see a problem withe starting with these hens

[mbrock]

My son wants a colorful group of birds. We have Buff Orpingtons(4) and Black Orpington(1). The new group will be raised together from a day old. I'm not worried about mixing with the orps. He wants
1. Mottled Ancona
2. Golden Laced Wyandotte
3. Speckled Sussex
4. Appenzeller Spizhauben
and either a Blue Ameraucna, Olive Egger, Salmon Faverolle, or Black Copper Maran

I'm thinking Blue Ameraucna, the wife is thinking Salmon Faverolle, my son is undecided but leaning towards the Olive Egger(he the oldest and they are his), and my youngest son wants a Maran( he wants Chocolate eggs).

Any input would be helpful.

 

[ThePRfan]

I think it's fine.They look healthy.Are they dossil?I would look into chicks,other then adults.If you need help on getting them
dossile ,I can give you some in site.

 

[Percheron chick]

I raise batches of 25 chicks with many of those breeds and others mixed in to sell. I've never had problems with them being aggressive towards each other or the hens accepting them when that time comes. All 4 on your 5th chick list have their own beauty and value. They all lay different colored eggs which is important for me. If the size of your flock isn't an issue, just get one of each than everyone has their own special hen.

 

[One Chick Two]

This group sounds good to me too. Are these to be hatchery birds that you will not breed in the future?

My suggestion about the copper Marans- don't purchase from a hatchery. Purchase from a breeder so you are much more likely to get a better bird and good hue to the eggs. Hatchery quality Marans are universally considered poor, and chances of getting the dark eggs are slim at best. Black Copper Marans are generally acknowledged to lay the darkest of Marans eggs, and the hens are beautiful black with green iridescence, and a copper necklace.

When purchasing them from a breeder ask them, "Is your BCM flock split for Wheaten? Have you checked?" If they reply no... but they did not check...go elsewhere and find someone who has checked the purity of their strain. It will cost more, but the quality difference is huge. You can thank me later.

lol

 

[aart]

This group sounds good to me too. Are these to be hatchery birds that you will not breed in the future?

My suggestion about the copper Marans- don't purchase from a hatchery. Purchase from a breeder so you are much more likely to get a better bird and good hue to the eggs. Hatchery quality Marans are universally considered poor, and chances of getting the dark eggs are slim at best. Black Copper Marans are generally acknowledged to lay the darkest of Marans eggs, and the hens are beautiful black with green iridescence, and a copper necklace.

When purchasing them from a breeder ask them, "Is your BCM flock split for Wheaten? Have you checked?" If they reply no... but they did not check...go elsewhere and find someone who has checked the purity of their strain. It will cost more, but the quality difference is huge. You can thank me later.

lol

Ditto Dat^^^

Also holds true for Ameraucana, hatcheries don't sell true Ameraucanas, you'll need to research and find a reputable breeder.
Order an Ameraucana or Araucana from a hatchery you'll get what's generally known as an EE (Easter Egger) which might lay blue, green, pink, or any shade of brown.

 

[mbrock]

So I should stay with the Olive Egger or Salmon Faverolle,

 

[aart]

So I should stay with the Olive Egger or Salmon Faverolle,

Up to you....we just wanted to warn you about the possible misrepresentation and/or quality of true breeds that you might experience with hatchery birds.

I got 2 EE's this spring at a local feed mill supplied by a state hatchery (who both called them Ameraucana/Araucana).
One lays a pretty nice blue egg, the other lays a more greenish egg, they are nice birds laying nicely colored eggs (which is what I wanted) so I am happy and knew ahead of time I was not getting true breeds.
I tease the feed mill guys, calling them AmeraKindas...lol....as they refuse to call them Easter Eggers.

 

[lazy gardener]

Personally, I'd stay away from birds with a crest because they tend to be picked on by flock mates, and their extra feathering makes it more difficult for them to see predators. But, that's just my personal preference. Enjoy your flock!

 

[21hens-incharge]

From my experience the gold laced wyandotte can be a bully. Especially to the broody ones.

#4 on your list is a pretty bird but I have read they do not like being kept in a run.

 

[Folly's place]

Salmon Favorelles are very sweet and mild; almost too mild, and might be at the very bottom of the pecking order in a mixed flock. Speckled Sussex hens have been the most human friendly birds I've ever had. I agree totally about the Marans; get them from a breeder! Either EEs or Ameracaunas will be nice for the colorfull eggs. Mary