Mixing Breeds in the Flock

[PouleNoire]

Keeping more than one kind of breed together is not a problem. But just like HighStreetCoop said it's a personal choice. Those breeds all seem that they would do fine living together! Good luck!

 

[Lukluk]

We have 2 - 2 year old Barred Rocks, 1 - 6 month old Buff Orphinton,1 - 6 month old Speckled Russian and 2 - 2 month old Americaunas. The Barreds won't let the other girls sleep in the co-op. Should we build another co-op, or will it just take a little time?

 

[daskhan]

We have 2 - 2 year old Barred Rocks, 1 - 6 month old Buff Orphinton,1 - 6 month old Speckled Russian and 2 - 2 month old Americaunas. The Barreds won't let the other girls sleep in the co-op. Should we build another co-op, or will it just take a little time?

If you live in an area that sees cold temperatures during the winter I'd try to get them all in one coop so that it is warmer I've near seen a bird deny another bird sleep in a coop if the coop is large enough how big is your coop?

 

[scandiafowl]

We have BuffOrps, Jersey Giants, Bresse, Red Stars, Cochins, Australorps, Wyandottes and a few mixed all thrown together and they're fine. The variety is fun!

 

[scandiafowl]

If you live in an area that sees cold temperatures during the winter I'd try to get them all in one coop so that it is warmer I've near seen a bird deny another bird sleep in a coop if the coop is large enough how big is your coop?

The barred are the alpha hens.

 

[chickenMamee]

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!!!

 

[chickenMamee]

I have a dozen chickens of five different breeds. They were all hatched within a few days of one another so same age group. They have been together now for 2 months with zero issues. I have Rhode Island Reds, Orpingtons, Copper Maran, Lavender Ameruacana, and also two older hens. The older hens keep everyone in line but mostly to themselves. They are housed together but the older hens are one side of coop with wire separation. They free range together every day.
As far as children, my grand daughters aged 4 and 5 have handled these birds from the beginning. The older hens absolutely love the girls. Just have children to keep their voices soft and move slowly between the birds and they should do fine.

 

[Betsy57]

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!!!

Sure they'll do fine. I like the Cinnamon Queens (or others like them, Red Sex Link) and Easter Eggers because they're so gentle, tame and can become pets. I've had all that you mention and they're fine. Seems like some are just "hatched" tame and pet-like. The kids will love 'em. Have fun.

 

[rmurrayslcut]

I've done it both ways, and same breed is best. My first flock was a mix, and it was fun to try out different breeds, but I had some problems - hen aggression mainly. Perhaps it was because I didn't have a rooster?

For my second flock, I went all RIRs and it's been much better. They're all the same size, have the same temperaments and breeding habits. Plus, my limited experience is that RIRs are simply the best all around breed, considering laying ability, frequency, hardiness and temperament. I liked my Black Australorps, but they didn't lay as well as the RIRs.

Go ahead and mix them up your first time around. See what you like best. I guarantee you'll see differences, and decide if you want to go single-breed for your second flock.

 

[rmurrayslcut]

They sure are. They're bigger, more dominant, and I personally didn't like their temperament. You're dead-on though. I had some Black Australorps that held their own against the BRs, but the rest of the flock were not so fortunate. I had to re-home a particularly aggressive BR. For all their bluster, they were also my weakest layers.