If you have any - ahem - 'leather goods' you might think about keeping them locked up.
Or an egg.Yeah, either way our best is speculation on sex until I see a big red comb or hear a crow.
Everyone's flock dynamics are different - space, breeds mixed in one flock, size of flock, free-ranged or not, etc etc. I only listed my experience in a small backyard environment where we are not zoned for roos so that in itself changes a lot of the environment since good roos will keep flock peace. I was raised with Leghorns as a kid and by themselves are wonderful egg-laying machines and my last White Leghorn was a gentle backyard alpha leader kind to flockmates but by age 3 she did become too assertive for the smaller gentler breeds in the flock and the Buff Leghorn was just crazy having fun dominating the timid breeds until she was re-homed in a big layer flock and put in her place. Depends on a lot of things but Leghorns will absolutely take advantage of the flock if the flock is not equally assertive. I almost think Legs have a sense of well-being when involved with equally dominating birds and if the timid ones don't retaliate Legs figure to eliminate the weak members of the flock. I adored my sweet personable White Leg but in full adulthood she was just a bit too assertive for the gentler breeds I wanted to keep.I could be wrong but I don't think they are that mean I just think you have the wrong flock dynamics. You have an amazing setup for a few pet chickens. I just think some breeds need more room. I don't think that means they are mean per say. I've heard of chickens being canibals in a coop that's to small. I think that was more the problem. Plenty of room yard wise but at night probably needing more space. I think silkies or faverolles are known for being at the bottom of the pecking order because they are at a disadvantage. If they weren't they would act the same as the other chickens. I don't think you can pen every chicken as being I'll tempered though. Mine is fine in a mixed flock even with bantams. My friend has about 10 in a mixed flock and also no problems. That's what leads me it was more environment.
I have to agree with Jennifer I have 34 chickens 16 different breeds. 4 are bantam roosters the rest are hens but 1/3 are bantam and so far I've gotten lucky but you can see who needs more space and once they're established with enough space it should work. However there are some chickens that just won't work I had some Faverolles from Jennifer actually and had to give them up to a friend because they weren't fitting in with my flock
That just leaves Robin. I sure hope she comes up with something blue!
Photos in natural lighting please.here is me and me EE babies
I meant, take new photos that are taken outdoors in natural lighting. Artificial lights distort colors and flashes wash things out.
