Mixing Breeds in the Flock

[mymilliefleur]

Hi Everyone! I'm starting my first small backyard flock soon and need some advice! I have narrowed it down to 4 breeds and can't make up my mind on which ones to get. I am settled on getting 6 (to start) and would like to mix breeds if it's possible. Either 2 breeds (3 of each) or 3 breeds (2 of each). Or should I stick to one breed for my first time? I live in New England and need hardy birds. I also have small children.

I am looking at the Black Sex Links, Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks, and the Buff Orpingtons.


Would these breeds do well together? Thank you in advance!!!

I have all of the first three breeds (and I host of others) and they all get along great. You should get lots of eggs out of those birds!

 

[KrisLehmann]

Are the Black Sex Links noisy?

 

[mymilliefleur]

Are the Black Sex Links noisy?

I have not found to be any noisier than other breeds. In fact, if any thing, I found them to be quieter.

 

[aart]

Are the Black Sex Links noisy?

You can't really determine noise makers by breed....
.....some hens are gabby loudmouths and some aren't.....
......and some will be gabby loudmouths all day long for a week or 2 or 3 or....and then they shut up for months.

 

[DanEP]

I would go with the black sex links over the RIR myself, I just have found them to be easier going and lay better than the RIR. I have BR and Bo's now and their fine together. I'm raising my new flock now and have several different breeds I'm mixing together. I have BR,EE's,SLW,GLW leghorn and LT Brahma.

 

[Celtics33]

Hi, I'm relatively new to chicks also with the same concerns as the original post. I live in middle Tennessee. Last year I took over someone's older flock of black sex links and barred rocks. I'm starting a new batch this year. (I rehomed the older girls ) I currently have the following ordered: Buff Orpingtons, Barred Rocks, Red Sex Links, Black Sex Links, Speckled Sussex, Light Sussex, Golden Comets, Black Australorps, with the option of getting some Rhode Island Reds at pick up time. I intend to have a rather large coop (16 x 20) with a lengthy run (20 x 20). All chicks total will be about 30. Does anyone see any problems with mixing the breeds I've ordered? I'm not sure about the RIR. Thanks for any advice in advance.

 

[Spangled]

Hi, I'm relatively new to chicks also with the same concerns as the original post.

I currently have the following ordered: Buff Orpingtons, Barred Rocks, Red Sex Links, Black Sex Links, Speckled Sussex, Light Sussex, Golden Comets, Black Australorps, with the option of getting some Rhode Island Reds at pick up time.

Does anyone see any problems with mixing the breeds I've ordered?

Thanks for any advice in advance.

I don't see any problems with that group. You could get a grouch or two, but it's that way with almost all of the breeds depending on their parents, etc. Polish or Faverolles can be another story since they sometimes need a little more tender loving care than the breeds listed above ... or at least mine did.

I think you can look forward to a great group of chickens with few problems! Yay!

 

[Celtics33]

Thank you. I'm very excited about their arrival (first week in May).

 

[sueg3041]

Hi first post - but have been reading BYC for quite some time. I would like to thank all of you for the very informative posts that have helped us start our little flock of backyard chickens.

We currently have 3 Buff Orpingtons but would like to add 2 more chickens of another breed. Would this be a wise move or should we stay with Orpingtons?

We live in Michigan so any new breed would have to be hardy with winter temps etc.

Thank you all again - this is a great site

 

[Celtics33]

I believe the sussex breed is supposed to be cold hardy. Mine are large, but very docile. Hope this helps.