Hi all! I'm just starting out with my first flock of 3-4 hens. I'd like to get a few buff orpingtons and a few of another breed (just for variety, really) but I've heard that the buffs get pushed around easily by many other breeds. Any ideas on who might get along well with them? I'd be getting them all at the same time, and am looking for social birds who are not very flighty. Egg production is less of a concern, but a nice to have! I live in a year-round temperate climate, suburban backyard, and the gals will eventually free range during the day. If you think a full flock of BOs is best, let me know that too! Thank you!
A favorite of mine that I've had with orps are Jersey Giants. They lay fairly well, are gentle. My chickens aren't pets and after 30 some breeds, Orps and JGs are the only birds I've had that I couple pick up out in the yard. JGs come in black, white and blue, though the former are most common. Here's the JGs, orps and some rocks foraging together. That said, I wouldn't limit the choice to one breed that someone suggests since there are so many good ones. I'd peruse these two selection charts that have bird characteristics. http://www.albc-usa.org/documents/chickenbreedcomparison.pdf http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html
