Downsizing mixed flock

[AussieJen]

I was lucky enough to have a very successful hatch this year with all 9 of my chicks turning out to be pullets, and am now faced with downsizing. My flock is mixed and the birds I've decided to sell are a LF barnevelder, a bantam rock, and a d'Uccle. These pullets were raised together but are the outsiders in my flock, with the barnevelder dominant. Would it be unwise to sell 3 birds of differing sizes, with the 2 smaller birds more timid, as a trio? I don't want to sell only to have it not work for the purchaser, and am a relative newbie especially with regards flock dynamics, so advice before I post the ad would be appreciated! Thanks

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

I would post the add and give the option to sell the two groups separately, also if you get any inquires for both the groups then make sure they are not getting the three to have as a 3 bird flock

 

[AussieJen]

I don't think I explained myself very well. I'm selling 3 birds, so I don't have "2 groups". From my understanding you shouldn't sell one bird on its own, so I can't divide 3 birds into 2 groups. But from what you're saying you don't think I should sell these 3 as one group, although they are currently living happily together in one mixed flock. Is this because you think the larger bird will gang up on the 2 smaller ones?

 

[Roo5]

I think selling the three will be fine.Yes change may erupt their peace,but that isn’t 100% for sure.Especially if their adding/mixed in within another flock, then they will form a sub flock and probably continue, living happily ever after.Or they will split into the flock and form their win sub groups or just remain separate,I have seen this happen.I purchased two Easter eggers and one ended up splitting from the other and joining the flock while the other pullet separated into a sub group with young chicks.

 

[Roo5]

On top of that I noticed a dynamic change, and a few stair downs between the Easter eggers after the first few weeks of being integrated.Sorta like a high school clique when friends split and all of a sudden starts hanging with the popular kids and then leave the other to basically fend for themselves.

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

I said two groups for lack of better terms, you made it sound as if your barnevelder was pecking on them because she is dominate

 

[AussieJen]

Nope, she's not picking on them (ATM), is just higher up the chain and has the size advantage. Thanks for your input - I really appreciate it!

 

[Chickengene]

I don't think I explained myself very well. I'm selling 3 birds, so I don't have "2 groups". From my understanding you shouldn't sell one bird on its own, so I can't divide 3 birds into 2 groups. But from what you're saying you don't think I should sell these 3 as one group, although they are currently living happily together in one mixed flock. Is this because you think the larger bird will gang up on the 2 smaller ones?

My brother in law has come home with single hens or roosters all the time. Puts them on the roost at night and never seems to have any problems.
What is the reason for not selling individual birds?
Unless you are shipping them?

 

[AussieJen]

My brother in law has come home with single hens or roosters all the time. Puts them on the roost at night and never seems to have any problems.
What is the reason for not selling individual birds?
Unless you are shipping them?

I understood it's wise to quarantine new birds for ~2-4 weeks before adding them to flock, and I'd hate to keep one in isolation that long. Also one bird introduced is more likely to be bullied by established flock. Either option sounds cruel to me and while your brother in law may have been lucky if rather not risk it. Maybe I'm wrong - i'm learning new things every day with keeping chickens!

 

[dehowery]

Oh the Joy of keeping Chickens. The Coccidiosis, Mereks, Bumblefoot, the Colds & Heat in the summer. What would we do without these. My Grandmother made it look allot easier then what it is. She made me think Chickens were the ideal pets because they gave you eggs and entertainment. Alas I still love every little bumblefooter out there.