Mixing Species

[artisan1]

I'm planning on buying my first chicks (about 4-5 pullets). Is there any problem with getting all different species? I was thinking of a mix of Austrolorps, Orpingtons, and Red Sex Link. Or should they all be the same species?

Thanks,

Erik

 

[PortageGirl]

Mix em up, no worries there, but they’re all chickens so they’re all the same species. Generally, if they can interbreed, they are the same species. I really like a mixed flock myself too so YEAH!

 

[Pinky]

If you want a mixed flock,go ahead and try it.I personally like all the different colors my mixed flock provide me.Blues,whites,browns,reds ,and blacks can be really colorful in a run or running around on your lawn.

 

[Momo]

Yeah they're all the same species, just different "breeds," or types, within the species. If you're talking chickens, duck, turkeys, quail, now you're talking different species. There's really no problem with having a mix of different breeds in your flock.

 

[nightshade]

I love having a mixed flock. The different color and patterns of the birds the different color eggs. I think it is just neat. I like the odder or what a lot of the hatcheries list as rare ones cause to me they usually look nicer. And you don't see them in everyone else's yard. But I have found it makes for a bigger flock. You never seem to just be able to get one of each. And then there are soooooo many breeds out there you find you want to give a try. It is super additive.

 

[deerman]

Mixed breeds are fine for eggs or meat,but would not breed them, as i Only sell pure breeds. Or the cross for sexlink or meat

 

[warhorse]

Quote:
If I understand correctly, australorps, orpingtons, and sex links ARE all the same species: chickens. They are different breeds.

 

[warhorse]

As far as mixing species, can cockrels be housed with young turkeys?

 

[silkiechicken]

Quote:
If blackhead is not an issue in your area, it isn't in the PNW, and they have ample space, sure. However, their own digs, with the right feed for each type is ideal, I've not had problems mixing them.

 

[warhorse]

What's blackhead? I was thinking about co-habing them until....

(a couple of weeks at most). I just didn't want this holding situation to end up malicious.