How would this flock work together?

[arpolis]

I am looking to start raising chickens for the dual purpose of having fresh eggs and that my wife thinks raising chickens would be cute. We can have 6 I believe here in the city limits so I wanted to get the experts opinions on what I think I plan on getting.

4 Barred Plymouth Rock hens
2 blue silkies

The silkies are just for the cuteness factor and to have some that my wife and girls will want to love on. The Plymouth rocks I think look cool and I believe they are decent egg producers. Will mixing these together in a flock work out? Will the silkies be picked on too much?

Any advise suggestions or random conversation is greatly appreciated.

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

Due to their poof and unique appearance, silkies tend to get picked on. With this said, if the chicks are raised together since day olds, pecking shouldn't be as much of an issue.
It is a great thing that you are planning on getting two silkies, as they tend to be on the bottom of the pecking order. Three would be even better, that way if one dies the other wont be lonely. Heck, 4 would be even better, that way there will still be a threesome is one passes. :

Barred rocks are a great choice for a family egg producer. I like their looks too.

Nice breed choices. Good luck!

 

[wardfarms]

That makes sense if they are raised from chicklings together . I just had a Silkie pecked out from a larger hen . I have to admit the silkies are very cute . Good luck

 

[TheReadyBoys]

As previously stated, the Silkies will get picked on. But you can avoid this by doing things like giving them treats and foods to pick at, or free ranging them. Chickens are just curious, so give them things to pick at other than the Silkies. As for the Barred Plymouth Rocks, I would love to have a few myself! Good luck!

 

[arpolis]

Sounds good. If getting these they should be young chicks so hopefully that will help reduce the pecking. I read somewhere else that you can hang cabbage and/or apples and the chickens will peck at and play with those. Maybe just build into the coop a couple of those hanging in there will help as well.

 

[TheReadyBoys]

Yes, they will have fun if you hang something. Just make sure they can reach it.

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

Yes, they will have fun if you hang something. Just make sure they can reach it.

x2
Hang it the same height as the smallest chicken in your flocks back.