Need some quick help on a desicion here....

[steveo]

I would get them, I love my RIR's and NHR's and Barred Rock that I got when they were six months old. I have not had any problems and am getting plenty of eggs and the chickens are all super friendly.

 

[Leslie In North Pole]

I haven't seen any one mention this but

1) Production RIR are notorious for picking, a couple in a flock usually doesn't cause a problem but I have always had problems when I have had more than 4 the same age.

2) I would recommend increasing their protein, some birds pick at each other when they need more protein in their diet and as RIR are notoriously great layers and eggs have a lot of protein in them.... Molting also raises their protein requirements as feathers are basically made of protein.

There is nothing wrong with getting an instant flock and it sounds like you are also looking to raise of few chicks to add in breeds you want, so you sound like you are out to get the best of both worlds. The chickens don't mind living in temporary housing as long as they have clean dirt and plenty of space to play and scratch.

I would lean towards getting mostly the Buff Orpingtons and Araucanas just a couple of RIR.

 

[DENALI]

Well i did it here is some updated info on this post https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=399901#p399901