Mixing breeds

[cp641]

I’m a beginner and getting 5 chicks this week and there are a variety of breed options. Buff Orpington, barred rock, black australorp, Easter Eggers, light Brahma and RIR. Do I have to stick to 3 of one breed and 2 of another, or can I mix it up more? I’m having a tough time deciding which breed I want to go with because many of them seem great!

 

[sourland]

Mix it up however you like. Sometimes feather headed birds have problems in mixed flocks.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I’m a beginner and getting 5 chicks this week and there are a variety of breed options. Buff Orpington, barred rock, black australorp, Easter Eggers, light Brahma and RIR. Do I have to stick to 3 of one breed and 2 of another, or can I mix it up more? I’m having a tough time deciding which breed I want to go with because many of them seem great!

Welxome to BYC!

I agree, mix it up how you like!

Fether headed types mentioned by the previous poster would be vrested breeds like Polish for example.

 

[_meels_ the chicken mom]

I’m a beginner and getting 5 chicks this week and there are a variety of breed options. Buff Orpington, barred rock, black australorp, Easter Eggers, light Brahma and RIR. Do I have to stick to 3 of one breed and 2 of another, or can I mix it up more? I’m having a tough time deciding which breed I want to go with because many of them seem great!

I suggest getting 1 of each breed. I dont personally like RIRs. They tend to be bullies. Mine were bullies too

 

[fluffycrow]

Agree with the previous posters, mix it up as much as you'd like! Just be careful if you're getting crested birds that they aren't the minority in the flock

 

[Beckys Birds]

I dont personally like RIRs. They tend to be bullies. Mine were bullies too

Wow, I have had the best experience with my RIR and hybrids of RIR. They are super sweet and extremely personable, even my oops roos are sweet boys that get picked on by the other roos. Maybe it's a difference in lines? All my RIR are from Hoover Hatchery, so no special breeding there.

 

[mossyoakpro]

I’m a beginner and getting 5 chicks this week and there are a variety of breed options. Buff Orpington, barred rock, black australorp, Easter Eggers, light Brahma and RIR. Do I have to stick to 3 of one breed and 2 of another, or can I mix it up more? I’m having a tough time deciding which breed I want to go with because many of them seem great!

As a beginner myself I got a mixture to begin with...IMO do not get the RIR's....mine are total buttholes. On the other hand the Barred Rocks are wonderful....