Mixing Bantam and large breed chickens

[havi]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this or not, if not then Im sorry.


Right now I have 2 RIR, 2 BO and 2 EE that are about 5 months old. I saw a posting on Craigslist for banty frizzles. I just love these cute little guys(err girls..). I was wondering if one or two smaller size hens will ever be able to be part of a standard size flock? Or will the bigger birds always pick on them? Im new to raising chickens and was curious. I dont want to get one or two and then turn around and have to get rid of them. I wouldnt want to put that kind of stress on those poor girls.

 

[Riocotesei]

Thats a good question!
I don't have alot of experience, but I have 2 black silkies and they are in a pen with 2 standard chickens (RIR/BA mix) and 2 ducks and they get along just fine. I have other chickens ones listed in my sig, and they are in a separate pen next to them but can see eachother all the time. Right now I'm working on integrating the silkies, duck and the mixed chickens. I let them all out together in a 20'x64' run. The ducks and other chicks kind of separate themselves since its a large pen. But the silkies are so innocent and benign I don't think they know what a pecking order is! They go and hang out with the others and are for the most part left alone there are a few that will peck at them, but not terrorize them or anything. Hope this helps!
I myself, would like to know more about it because I like some breeds of banties, but I don't want to have them in seperate pen if I were to get them.

 

[The Chicken Lady]

This is a really good question. Unfortunately, the answer is somewhat difficult.

Realistically, putting any chickens that didn't grow up together into the same flock is going to cause some pecking order disruption. You won't be able to introduce new individuals of any size into the flock without some initial pecking while they sort things out. You know this, which is why you asked.

The question is, will the banty frizzles be able to hold their own and eventually reach some sort of safety and acceptance in the flock...? The answer probably depends somewhat on the temperament of the birds you have already.

If your hens are normally really laid-back and docile, they may be okay with the banties. Then again, the flock may be completely thrown off by the new girls, and some new personality traits may be revealed (a little unlikely, but possible). The breeds you have (Orps and EEs especially) aren't known for meanness, but in my experience, RIRs can go either way on an individual basis.

I'd say, consider the girls you have and the space you have (will they be overcrowded and stressed with new additions, can you provide an additional place for food or water if need be so they don't all have to share), and make an ultimate decision going from that.

I know mixed flocks *have* worked for some people, and it could possibly work for you. I do hope it works out; frizzles are fun!