Mixed flock question....

[FlowerFarmer]

The problem is there are too many types of chickens to pick from

I wanted a mixed flock because I love the look of them in the yard, and I've also read about how well they do together (atleast the similar sized ones)
I also wanted chickens that would lay brown eggs, so I got: 1 buff orpington, 1 barred plymouth rock, 1 new hampshire (similar to a RIR), 1 silver laced wyandotte, and 1 blue laced red wyandotte.
In my opinion I think they do great and maybe even better when they're a mixed flock. They all have their own distinct personality.
I've known silkies to coexist with they larger breeds, but I personally wouldn't recommend it.
Enjoy the selection and good luck!
(PS I would definately suggest getting a plymouth rock!)

 

[WhetzelMomma]

ALL of my chickens are mutts!! Well. Except for my BR and RIR... everyone else are mixed. Even my cochins.

 

[MyHappyHen]

I have a mixed flock with no problems.
It makes for a beautiful egg basket!

I have everything from a Jersey Giant to a Silkie, Sultan, EE, you name it.
I raise them from 1 day old indoor until they reach 3-4 weeks.

Sometimes but very rarely I have bullying issues but a proper tongue lashing is usually all it takes.
I am alpha hen.

 

[Mrs. K]

the thing is...JUST DO IT!!!!

Get some, know that these hens will not live your entire life, and that you will be adding and subtracting from the flock. It is never static. One does not generally have the same hens in the same flock for years. Predators, accidents, and illness will get some, it is tough. You might get a few roos, and need to process, but hey then you get some more, a few different kind!

I am now on the three year cycle. I have a broody hen, BO, she will raise a clutch for me, say a 12 chicks, I process the roos, replace my older hens, and my flock changes. I want some speckled sussex now, so will slip a few eggs from a neighbor under her. And the color of my flock will change.

I was not perfect when I got started. I made mistakes, now I do have a predator proof (almost) set up. I have learned to process my own birds. And I enjoy this hobby very much.

Just get started! It is a great hobby! MrsK

 

[porkchop48]

Great advice every one thank you.

I am going to go with a mixed flock of dual purpose brown eggs layers.... That should not be too hard

There will be some RIR, BR and orphs and if I can find silkie hens I would like to try one or two of them as well..


Sound like a good plan?

 

[Mrs. K]

yes a great plan!

 

[Momma2three]

Go for it!! We have Barred Rock, White Rock, Ameraucanas, Speckled Sussex, and only 1 roo who is a Buff Orp. They all get along well. Our male guinea causes more problems than any of the hens do to each other. We had too many Roos at one time, and had to cull 4 of them to aid in everyone's happiness. One Roo in particular was very aggressive with anyone and everyone (including our children). Our flock is continually changing also.....will be introducing some Red Stars in a few months and going tomorrow to get some more chicks.

Anyway, good luck and enjoy your new flock!!

 

[JLS]

Mixed flocks are lots of fun!

I've been thinking a lot about your question: what type of roo to get. If you dont want mixes that are small... I think you should consider a Faverolle roo. Faverolles are great layers, dual purpose, and very sweet. Not to mention they are very beautiful! That way you can hatch out eggs and keep the hens for layers and send the roos to freezer camp when they get big enough. I think you would get some pretty looking mixes too

Anyway, it was just a thought

 

[benjoycei]

I have a mixed flock...

 

[greytmommy]

mixed flock here too. We are still new to this. We have a mix of full size and bantums. EE's, cochins, Marans, BR, silkies...

we have one def ro. A bantam blue splash cochin. He is so handsome, & very friendly (so far). We might also have a silkie roo, but hard to tell so far.

since we have a flock of mixed size, we just made sure they had plenty of space...so a silkie doesn't get stepped on or jumped on. The chicks free range in our large fenced yard, & the coop is pretty big.

everyone is happy, and we haven't lost a chick yet.