Mixed flock or not?

[Tbone101]

I aM going to start a flock of laying hens. I'm going to get about 15 or so. I'm wondering if i should get all the same kind or mix them up a bit. I think if I get all onE kind it will be Barred Rocks. And if I mix them up it will be a mix between barred rock buff Orpington Rhode island red black sex link and silver lace Wyandotte.

Please help of you have any advice. Thanks!

 

[brahmabreeder]

I almost always mix it up in a layer coop. If you want to breed keep one breed. If you plan on just getting new ones after these guys slow down then go ahead and mix it up as much as you want.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

I love having a mixed flock. It is easier to tell the chickens and their eggs apart, and you get to know their individual personalities more easily. I think different breeds get along fine, so there really isn't a down side to a mixed flock. Your breed selection sounds good. I really enjoy my Barred Rocks and Buff Orpingtons.

 

[hotrodflash]

I like the look of a mixed flock free ranging in the yard. It also makes it easier to see if any are missing and easier to count them at night when I shut them in the coop.

 

[jaj121159]

I'm trying to set breeding flocks of different rare and endangered breeds. I switched my primary layers from RIR to Delawares because Delawares lay as many eggs as RIR's and are threatened. I have five other breeds all in different coops. If I just wanted a bunch of layers with no plans to breed them or just get "farm chickens" I would mix up my flock. I would avoid putting docile breed hens in with more aggressive hens though to avoid problems.

 

[Tbone101]

Thanks! I guess it would look pretty cool with a bunch of different breeds.

 

[harriedhomemaker]

I have eleven different types of chickens in my layer flock and love it. I really enjoy the variety - so pretty! The only caution I would have is if you plan on eating them at the end of their laying career. You notice them more as individuals when they all aren't the same type and that is more difficult when it comes time to butcher.

 

[katbriar]

I love a mixed flock. The birds are beautiful, as scratch'n'peck points out it's easier to tell the birds apart, and you get a lovely variety of eggs.

That said, it's generally easier (for you) if the birds are at least similar enough that they are all suited to your climate and the conditions you are able to provide for them.

You may want to only keep larger fowl, for example, than a mix of banties and large fowl.

Enjoy whatever you choose!

 

[barbiegirl]

I like having a mixed flock of chickens. I like having the different colors of eggs and of the birds themselves. Each breed has something to offer. I have bantam and large fowl together. Good luck with your flock.

 

[Hillschicks]

The ONLY reason i wouldnt gey a mixed flock is to help keep a breed alive and strong

That being the only reason and not having the time to be an actually breeder i have a very mixed flock... New hampshire red, white leghorn, blue andelusion, barred rock, buff brahma, easter egger, gold sex links, black sexlinks, welsummer... And some of our very own farm mixes... Hopefully this hatch results in an olive egger

More breeds = more fun imo