multiple breeds or uniform flock?

[Cockle-Dood]

I will be starting my own flock in the spring and thannms to BYC i am more confident and excited than ever! My first question is whether i should stick with one breed or if i should diversify my flock. Initially i will be wanting aabout 10 hens (pullets from Ideal most likely) to start and then eventually add a rooster perhaps.

I currently live on a 50 acre farm and have a coup/run (approx 30'x30') under consstruction so space isnt my issue. The goal of my flock will egg producers mainly and to provide a natural compost for my gardens.

With that being said i was originally thinking to start with a straight leghorn flock, but the more i read i seem to be the odd one out with a 1breed flock. Any advice on the subject will be greatly appreciated! Lookforward to reading!

 

[cafarmgirl]

It's completely a matter of preference. I've always had a mixed flock because I just like chickens, they are my hobby and if I could I would have a few of just about every different kind! So whenever I order chicks it's in a rainbow of colors. Other people have a favorite breed and focus on breeding the best example of that breed that they can. There is no right or wrong answer. If you like leghorns or they would suit your purpose best, go for it.

 

[TheSpiceGirls]

I started with four chicks, all difference breeds. And I've had nothing but issues the past two years. I've had way then my fair share of bullying, pecking, using their feet to fight, feather pulling. I'm so frustrated with them that I could easily be done. But I don't have the heart to give away the ones I have for fear they will be bullied by going into a new flock.

So I'd recommend going with all the same. Or get two breeds so that you have some hens who have other hens who look like them to buddy up with.

I know that a rooster will help keep the peace with hens so maybe that will help prevent you from having some of the issues I've had. I can't have a rooster where I live.

 

[dolly85]

I prefer an assortment of breeds, but if you want to stick with ONE breed get an assortment of leghorns. That way you'll get your desired breed with some different colors! Otherwise Ideal has some nice assortments you could look into. Let me tell you, if you want to sell the eggs customers really really like a variety. Most of my coworkers and friends request an assortment of brown and green, no one wants the white! Personally I think they all taste the same but opening up a carton with all those colors, makes me

!!!

 

[Cockle-Dood]

So will the brown leghorns lay brown eggs? I was under the impression breeds lay a certain color egg...yeh im a newb, lol. But as far as selling eggs that isnt the goal, more to supplymy family, parents so forth but to be totally honest hadnt mulled the selling idea over all that much. Heh, learn somethin every day! Thanks for the input so far!

 

[Darkwings]

I love my mixed flock. I've never had any issues with bullying, even if there's only a one of a kind. Another option would be Easter Eggers. They come in every color imaginable, but they'll all be the same type. Plus, they lay the colored eggs! And I believe all Leghorns lay white eggs. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[donrae]

Leghorns all lay white eggs. She meant the birds themselves would be different colors for some eye candy.

I go for mixed, cause I like the different birds. Laced, barred, speckled, partridge, mutt, I got 'em all. I think my flock's pretty!

But I can also totally appreciate a flock of one breed...a bunch of golden Orpingtons, or barred rocks, or nice white birds............it really doesn't matter to the birds, it's your perogative.

 

[MimiChick]

I personally love a mixed flock. Besides the fact that it's easier to tell them apart I think all the different colors and feather patterns look beautiful when you see them all together. I also love the variety of egg colors I get. I have 3 different colors of brown, white, 2 shades of light green, blue, turquoise and olive. What I do to avoid potential bullying is to get my breeds in pairs whenever I can. That also seems to help with any integration. They've always got someone familiar to hang with until they find thier place in the general flock pecking order.
It really is a matter of preference and what you ultimatly want your flock for, thier purpose in your life, eggs, decoration, fun, etc. But do consider mixing it up a little. With all the beautiful different kinds of chickens out there I think it would be a shame to not take advantage of that opportunity.
Good luck.