Final Flock Composition - Approve/Critique/Suggest

[sylviethecochin]

Killed? Certainly not. I don't have aggression problems, I have aggressive birds. An aggression problem is something I would not tolerate. No, they simply rule the roost and let everyone know it. They pick on broody mothers and bully pullets. They hog the bowls at feeding time, and they think nothing of making the leghorns perch on the less desirable roosts. In short, they're typical boss hens.

I free-range, so my birds aren't bored enough to really pick on each other. They naturally maintain at least three separate flocks at all times so the more aggressive birds hang out with the more aggressive birds.

Currently, I have three, and two crossbred pullets. Last year, I had six, but I try to maintain a productive flock, so some culling was done. My laying flock is currently twenty-two strong, and about half leghorns.

Like I said in your other thread (I believe that was your thread?) I think it may work. I would simply not do it if you don't have a backup plan for any hens that aren't fitting in. Since you do have a backup plan, go for it.

 

[AmyJane725]

Killed? Certainly not. I don't have aggression problems, I have aggressive birds. An aggression problem is something I would not tolerate. No, they simply rule the roost and let everyone know it. They pick on broody mothers and bully pullets. They hog the bowls at feeding time, and they think nothing of making the leghorns perch on the less desirable roosts. In short, they're typical boss hens.

I free-range, so my birds aren't bored enough to really pick on each other. They naturally maintain at least three separate flocks at all times so the more aggressive birds hang out with the more aggressive birds.

Currently, I have three, and two crossbred pullets. Last year, I had six, but I try to maintain a productive flock, so some culling was done. My laying flock is currently twenty-two strong, and about half leghorns.

Like I said in your other thread (I believe that was your thread?) I think it may work. I would simply not do it if you don't have a backup plan for any hens that aren't fitting in. Since you do have a backup plan, go for it.

Ah. I was kind of imagining that having aggressive birds/an aggression problem was the same thing. What you're saying is that when people say "aggressive" they might just mean they rule the roost. Top dog status, not that they're tormenting and injuring/killing their flockmates.

Might have been my thread? I was asking about how well banties get along with LF and some people on there said that RIR and BR were really mean to their younger birds. That might have been you? I'd have to go back and look.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

You never know until you try....Ive had bantam and lf mixed flicks in the past and have never had a problem. You can have personality conflicts regardless of bird sizes, just have to be more attentive to them with major size disadvantages in the mix

 

[AmyJane725]

You never know until you try....Ive had bantam and lf mixed flicks in the past and have never had a problem. You can have personality conflicts regardless of bird sizes, just have to be more attentive to them with major size disadvantages in the mix

Glad to hear a success story
I will keep my eyes on them like a hawk watching a freshly hatched chick

 

[sylviethecochin]

Ah. I was kind of imagining that having aggressive birds/an aggression problem was the same thing. What you're saying is that when people say "aggressive" they might just mean they rule the roost. Top dog status, not that they're tormenting and injuring/killing their flockmates.

I meant that I could very easily picture them doing those things if they were confined in moderately close quarters.

 

[AmyJane725]

I meant that I could very easily picture them doing those things if they were confined in moderately close quarters.

Oh, so with plenty of room they might not even be bossy to the other girls? That would be nice.

 

[Alexandra33]

I keep all listed breeds together, with the exception of Barred Hollands. No problems whatsoever. As a newcomer to the poultry world, curious whether or not bantams and standards could be raised/housed together, most popular response to my questions ran along these lines - no, standards will likely pick on and potentially injure their miniature flockmates. Sadly, though these individuals meant kindly, I almost missed out on the joys of bantams. Physical size does not indicate attitude size. If anything, smaller birds tend to make up for their diminutive stature....in zest. My Old English Game bantam hens keep roosters doubling (possibly close to tripling) their mass hopping.

Not to say it can't happen, of course. Bullying issues sometimes occur strictly among standards. In fact, my ONLY situations where excessive picking became a serious issue involved large fowl. Pretty sure it has to do with individual temperament, rather than size or breed.

Rhode Island Reds....as in those from hatcheries? These (unless specified, like Cackle does) would be considered Production Reds. I have a lone, unpleasant experience, and will never get past it. I normally give breeds several chances before deciding whether or not they "pass," but PRs are forever scratched off the list. Let's just say, this redheaded girl thought it would be a bright idea to eat a deep, large hole in my Campine's back - idiotic bird. Needless to say, she didn't last long. May have been a fluke, but never again. However, I'm trying true Rhode Island Red bantams, arriving in a little over a week.

~Alex

 

[AmyJane725]

I keep all listed breeds together, with the exception of Barred Hollands. No problems whatsoever. As a newcomer to the poultry world, curious whether or not bantams and standards could be raised/housed together, most popular response to my questions ran along these lines - no, standards will likely pick on and potentially injure their miniature flockmates. Sadly, though these individuals meant kindly, I almost missed out on the joys of bantams. Physical size does not indicate attitude size. If anything, smaller birds tend to make up for their diminutive stature....in zest. My Old English Game bantam hens keep roosters doubling (possibly close to tripling) their mass hopping.

Not to say it can't happen, of course. Bullying issues sometimes occur strictly among standards. In fact, my ONLY situations where excessive picking became a serious issue involved large fowl. Pretty sure it has to do with individual temperament, rather than size or breed.

Rhode Island Reds....as in those from hatcheries? These (unless specified, like Cackle does) would be considered Production Reds. I have a lone, unpleasant experience, and will never get past it. I normally give breeds several chances before deciding whether or not they "pass," but PRs are forever scratched off the list. Let's just say, this redheaded girl thought it would be a bright idea to eat a deep, large hole in my Campine's back - idiotic bird. Needless to say, she didn't last long. May have been a fluke, but never again. However, I'm trying true Rhode Island Red bantams, arriving in a little over a week.

~Alex

I have heard quite a few stories of dominant bantams. It's the funniest thing. Mine are both cochins though, so I doubt they'll be very high on the pecking order. We'll see.

I ordered all my chicks from Ideal Poultry. They have the best bantam selection by far. And they do have a separate section for RIR vs. Production Red. They even have New Hampshire Reds. A really vast selection of birds. Never bought from them before, so I can't speak to the quality, but the selection is unparalleled.

I'd love to see your RIR bantams when they arrive (and grow up)! I wasn't really able to find many pictures of them when I was considering doing one of those instead of the LF RIR.

 

[Alexandra33]

I have heard quite a few stories of dominant bantams. It's the funniest thing. Mine are both cochins though, so I doubt they'll be very high on the pecking order. We'll see.

I ordered all my chicks from Ideal Poultry. They have the best bantam selection by far. And they do have a separate section for RIR vs. Production Red. They even have New Hampshire Reds. A really vast selection of birds. Never bought from them before, so I can't speak to the quality, but the selection is unparalleled.

I'd love to see your RIR bantams when they arrive (and grow up)! I wasn't really able to find many pictures of them when I was considering doing one of those instead of the LF RIR.

Nothing like watching a mustard seed-sized bird chasing an elephant-sized! My Red Cochin is quite high on the pecking order....I witnessed her shoo everybody away from a dustbathing spot today.

Who wouldn't love Ideal's vast selection? Heard mixed reviews as to the overall quality, so I'd adore pictures! When will your new babies arrive?

Will do. Looking forward to deep, purplish red birds. Maybe it'll convince you to order again.

~Alex

 

[AmyJane725]

Nothing like watching a mustard seed-sized bird chasing an elephant-sized! My Red Cochin is quite high on the pecking order....I witnessed her shoo everybody away from a dustbathing spot today.

Who wouldn't love Ideal's vast selection? Heard mixed reviews as to the overall quality, so I'd adore pictures! When will your new babies arrive?

Will do. Looking forward to deep, purplish red birds. Maybe it'll convince you to order again.

~Alex

No kidding? Your cochin is a boss hen huh? So much for them being laid back. XD

I will be taking so many pictures. Don't worry. My babies are shipping on June 5th, so they'll probably arrive June 7th. I wish it wasn't such a long wait. 74 days to go. I'm so excited

Oh gosh, chicken math, no! I already have 4 extra birds I need to get rid of (ordered 3 each of the cochin bantams, hoping for 1 girl of each )