Liege Fighter Flock Compatibility

[AGeese]

Looking for takes from anyone on Liege hens in a mixed-breed or even mixed species flock.

I'd like to introduce two Liege into my future breeding project, but need to be sure they're not too aggressive with a smaller breeds. I've heard the Roos aren't a problem, but I've heard hens can be pretty aggressive.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I had to look this breed up. It looks very formidable. Are you bringing in adults or chicks? Hopefully some of our game keeping members can help out.

 

[AGeese]

They would be female chicks and no more than 2 (if I did).

I have Buckeyes, and BJG. The Jersey's are dominant. All of them are around 6 lbs.

I also have a smaller BCM who's fast and holds her own with the Buckeyes.

I've got a Sumatra Roo on order for August with 2 more Buckeyes.

That's a total of 6 Buckeyes
2 BJG
1 BCM
1 Sumatra Roo

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

If you get them be sure to share their progress. I'm curious about the breed now.

 

[AGeese]

For sure, my plan is to begin breeding next year.

 

[AGeese]

@ProbablyChickenRelated - how's compatibility?

 

[ProbablyChickenRelated]

@ProbablyChickenRelated - how's compatibility?

Oooh, good question! I think it may well depend on breeds involved. The gals can be bossy; but not Rhode Island Red bossy LOL. Generally speaking the Liege are very personable- I call them the nosy Nellies because they’re so nosy and have to be all up in whatever you’re doing. Mine have fencing that wouldn’t prevent them from accessing/going through it (12 ga. 2”x2” squares) into the Cemani or Legbar but don’t readily bother them. Occasional Mexican stand-off/staring contest with the Cemani. Legbar are likelier to start something honestly LOL. I was very afraid of raising game, but the more time I spend raising them, the more I enjoy them. I think individual personalities vary, but the majority are not super bossy and they aren’t aggressive- I let mine range because they do actually seem to help deter hawks. My theory is that they look like birds of prey . So long as they are raised with the flock I think they would be ok all the way around. I would refrain from trying to bring Liege hens in to an already established flock so would advise younger birds and the pecking order will establish itself naturally. There are a few breeds that seem to run and hide and prompt other birds, even the same breed, to chase. Bantams for one (some anyway) or Shetland will choose flight, not fight. So if you have standard size breeds and are bringing in pullets I would think you’re fine .

 

[AGeese]

Oooh, good question! I think it may well depend on breeds involved. The gals can be bossy; but not Rhode Island Red bossy LOL. Generally speaking the Liege are very personable- I call them the nosy Nellies because they’re so nosy and have to be all up in whatever you’re doing. Mine have fencing that wouldn’t prevent them from accessing/going through it (12 ga. 2”x2” squares) into the Cemani or Legbar but don’t readily bother them. Occasional Mexican stand-off/staring contest with the Cemani. Legbar are likelier to start something honestly LOL. I was very afraid of raising game, but the more time I spend raising them, the more I enjoy them. I think individual personalities vary, but the majority are not super bossy and they aren’t aggressive- I let mine range because they do actually seem to help deter hawks. My theory is that they look like birds of prey . So long as they are raised with the flock I think they would be ok all the way around. I would refrain from trying to bring Liege hens in to an already established flock so would advise younger birds and the pecking order will establish itself naturally. There are a few breeds that seem to run and hide and prompt other birds, even the same breed, to chase. Bantams for one (some anyway) or Shetland will choose flight, not fight. So if you have standard size breeds and are bringing in pullets I would think you’re fine .

Thanks for that info. They sound very much like the girls I already have. I think in that regard bringing in little ones like you say should work out.

 

[user651618]

My liege hens are savages. Highly aggressive to other hens and they're about the size of an average dual purpose rooster. The only hen that can hang with them is my OG Rhode Island Red who just doesn't care and will mix it up with them. It's weird too because they're so people friendly. My 3 year old can pick them up and carry them around.

 

[ProbablyChickenRelated]

My liege hens are savages. Highly aggressive to other hens and they're about the size of an average dual purpose rooster. The only hen that can hang with them is my OG Rhode Island Red who just doesn't care and will mix it up with them. It's weird too because they're so people friendly. My 3 year old can pick them up and carry them around.

Oh yeah- definitely people friendly. We call them the ‘yard cats’ because they’re like barn cats- they follow you around the yard and they catch more mice than I’ve ever seen a cat do!
Thanks for the input. Did you get your Liege locally?