Feedback on Chicken Breeds

[Disheygirl]

I have three pullets who are about seven weeks old now, and have six more chicks ‘on order’...wanted to see if there are any recommendations on the breeds, because I’d really like them to all get along.

The three I have are two Barred Rock and one Australorp, no problems there.

The others I get in three weeks - they’ll be in the brooder until they’re old enough to go to the coop with the older girls:

One of each (all intended to be pullets ): austra white, light Brahma, white sultan, blue Ameraucana, Easter Egger, Golden Laced Wyandott, Salmon Faverolle. Any breeds that may not fit with the others? Thanks!!

 

[aart]

wanted to see if there are any recommendations on the breeds, because I’d really like them to all get along.

Breed doesn't really matter, any new birds will be perceived as 'invaders' by the existing birds. Tho favorelles are known to be timid.

Here's some tips about.....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[black_cat]

I totally agree with what aart says, but I would like to point out that the sultan would benefit from having another crested bird in the flock, as if there's only one they can be targets for feather picking.

 

[snood dude]

I have three pullets who are about seven weeks old now, and have six more chicks ‘on order’...wanted to see if there are any recommendations on the breeds, because I’d really like them to all get along.

The three I have are two Barred Rock and one Australorp, no problems there.

The others I get in three weeks - they’ll be in the brooder until they’re old enough to go to the coop with the older girls:

One of each (all intended to be pullets ): austra white, light Brahma, white sultan, blue Ameraucana, Easter Egger, Golden Laced Wyandott, Salmon Faverolle. Any breeds that may not fit with the others? Thanks!!

Light brahma and white sultan would be cool breeds to have.

 

[Erin80]

Just keep your eye on the Faverolle. Mine was almost pecked to death when I integrated because she’s sooooo passive. She made it through, but is bottom of the pecking order and was getting feather pecked a lot until the girls decided to shift around their roosting habits......she was now alone on the roost so her feathers grew back. I started putting my little silkie hen up there with her every night (newly integrated silkie hen so she was also bottom), and now they’re best friends which is so awesome.
Faverolles are known to be docile and meek, so just keep an eye. Ours is soooooo sweet towards humans though.

 

[Disheygirl]

Appreciate the feedback!! Do you think it makes a difference that when the two groups are integrated, they’ll be about two months apart in age? The first three were born March 1st and the second group will be roughly May 1st. E.g. when they’re all fairly young, it’s easier?

 

[Disheygirl]

PS. Does anyone think I should switch out the Sultan for another breed in the pic that is low on the pecking order as a friend to the Faverolle? I could do another crested bird for the Sultan, or swap her out. Most of the birds are for eggs, but I also want one or two pets and the Faverolle is one. The breeds in the pic are also available on the date that I pick up the other bunch.

 

[rosemarythyme]

PS. Does anyone think I should switch out the Sultan for another breed in the pic that is low on the pecking order as a friend to the Faverolle? I could do another crested bird for the Sultan, or swap her out. Most of the birds are for eggs, but I also want one or two pets and the Faverolle is one. The breeds in the pic are also available on the date that I pick up the other bunch.

You could just do 2 Faverolles, they should get on well with each other due to the more docile personalities.

I haven't really had an issue with my mixed flock and 1 Faverolles. She's clearly lower on pecking order but no one actively harasses her either.