Mixing standards and bantams

[Agilityscots]

Okay, I tried posting something along these lines earlier and got no responses.

I have an opportunity to add 2-3 bantam Araucanas to my flock of 4 standard pullets. Can you "mix" standards and bantams?

Also, if I have 4 standard pullets in a coop that has a 20' footprint (large run big enough for 10 std hens), can I add 2-3 bantams safely and happily? Is it difficult to introduce new girls to an existing flock?

Amy

 

[hcammack]

I answered you sorry it wasnt good enough

just look at the old post an you will get my answer.

Henry

 

[Agilityscots]

Hi Henry, sorry, didn't mean to offend you...I was just hoping to hear from someone who'd already owned Araucanas and also who knew for sure whether it was okay to mix std/banties.

Thanks for your response, though!

Amy

 

[seedcorn]

it depends on your standards and how dominant they are. Can you mix them, yes. Will it work? No one will know until you do it. It depends on how bossy the other chickens are. Free range, no problem

 

[AK-Bird-brain]

We have 4 banties in with 16 full size. No problems here. We had a banty rooster who actually was able to get his groove on with the big girls. Got rid of him and now have a full size light brama roo who is getting his groove on with the banties.
So it can go either way. Our flock is mostly well adjusted and introductions werent to tramatic.

 

[Agilityscots]

Quote:
Hmm...so it's a big risk, in other words!

My girls are pretty sweet and don't seem to peck at one another at all. Of course, that doesn't mean they won't ever, but it does give me hope!

Amy

 

[Agilityscots]

Quote:
Ha! That's hilarious about the banty rooster!!

The breeder is offering me my choice of Araucana bantams, but I must take a male with them. I will likely find a home for the cockerel if I take them. It's a hard offer to pass up, because he's a show breeder, and he's offering the birds for free.

Amy

 

[Stormhorse23]

Here's how I do it, Hold walk around outside the run for a few days holding one of the newcomers and eventually put a small pen next to the original chickens' pen and eventually move them closer and closer. I have a pigeon sized girl in with a brahma and they are ok

 

[Agilityscots]

Quote:
Well this certainly sounds doable. I'd have to quarantine the birds for a good month in my basement, which would be NO fun at all, but it's hard to pass up free show-bred birds.

Are banties really as tiny as pigeons? I admit I've never seen a bantam of any breed, in person.

Amy

 

[gardener]

Yes most are about that size maybe only slightly larger, but the legs are a bit longer. Although Japanese have short legs.
Silkies are really fluffy so they look bigger.