- Feb 21, 2015
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I have a mixed sampler flock of 10 - each bird a different breed and they seem to be very happy together. I have a Barred Rock who is smart and ambitious. I also have a Rhode Island Red who has been just fine, a good layer and not as aggressive as some others, including the Barred Rock. I also have a young son - he was 4 when we got them, now is 5 - and he has been pecked and explored way less than I have, they stay away from him. It's his young explosive energy that they tend to avoid. He has been getting bolder about picking them up occassionally and we've had no bad incidents, chickens are very patient. If I would narrow my 10 breeds down to 3 that I would build a flock on, I'd pick the Red Star (sex link) (amazing layer, sweet social bird) The Black Astrolorp (great layer and sweet bird) and the Barred Rock. I also live in New England. I didn't get a Buff Orpington because I heard they grew very big and went broody often - also a good friend has one and she's quite a bully.