Mixed Flock Advice

[LeslieS]

Hi! I am planning my first flock, and have narrowed my breed choices down to Buckeyes, Dominiques, and Wyandottes. Any opinions on how these three breeds would do in a mixed flock would be most welcome!

I've read about their personalities, and weather tolerances (I live at 7000' in southern Colorado foothills, and our weather can occasionally be extreme), and am hoping for experienced opinions about how they might mesh.

This site is awesome. I've been a member for about a month and the amount of information is staggering! As is the helpfulness I have seen so far. So glad I found you all.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

I don't own or know much about those breeds but I have a mixed flock of barred rock, buff orp, and easter egger hens that grew up together and then later integrated (2) polish cockerels and a pullet. People always said they were destroy the polish's crests but they are fine and get along nicely.

 

[Ribh]

Space is your key. Your hens will get along fine so long as everyone has enough personal space & somewhere to escape if they are having a hard day so perches, bushes [if you can] or little teepees, somewhere to dust bath, several food & water stations so a dominant hen can't control everything.

 

[LeslieS]

Thanks for the info and super fast reply. I appreciate it!!

 

[LeslieS]

I don't own or know much about those breeds but I have a mixed flock of barred rock, buff orp, and easter egger hens that grew up together and then later integrated (2) polish cockerels and a pullet. People always said they were destroy the polish's crests but they are fine and get along nicely.

Thanks!! That was fast!

 

[Ribh]

Thanks for the info and super fast reply. I appreciate it!!

lol It's still super early on my side of the world so being on my computer keeps me quiet.

 

[Izzychicky]

I have a golden laced wyandotte that is super sweet and cuddly. She is super cold hardy, I learned that last winter.

 

[LeslieS]

Space is your key. Your hens will get along fine so long as everyone has enough personal space & somewhere to escape if they are having a hard day so perches, bushes [if you can] or little teepees, somewhere to dust bath, several food & water stations so a dominant hen can't control everything.

Thank you so much. Trying to avoid nastiness. You encouraged me here!

 

[LeslieS]

I have a golden laced wyandotte that is super sweet and cuddly. She is super cold hardy, I learned that last winter.

Great to hear. Thank you so much!

 

[Chickassan]

I can chime in on Dominiqes, they are super little chickens!
They forage like mad women so they eat less feed and they're SMART.
Heat and cold tolerant, little rose comb gets zero frostbite.
Excellent layers, lay all the way to molt and as soon as they're presentable they start back.
Nosy, always want to know what you're doing and if you have anything...btw they will TAKE anything you have whether it is for them or not.
Personality varies, I have two and they're night and day.
Hobo is my top hen, she rules with an iron beak. She is so terrifying my two year old Faverolles rooster has NEVER mated her.
Dutch is sweet, gets along with everyone and is one of the roo's favourite girls.
I'd reccomend, just for the entertainment factor alone. BTW my flock is so mixed it isn't even funny.

Hobo.

Dutch.

The iron beak!

Cute little penguin baby Dutch.