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New to raising chickens with questions

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by SarcasmPhD, Jan 22, 2015.

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  1. Jan 22, 2015 #1
    SarcasmPhD

    SarcasmPhD Out Of The Brooder

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    Typical guy new to raising chickens. I have TONS of questions. The first that has been on my mind: are there certain breeds that do well together? I will most likely be starting off with a flock of 6-10 birds. I'd like to mix the flock up. I know I would like a few Rhode Is. Reds. What breeds would do well with Reds? Let the replies begin!.....:D


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    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 23, 2015
  3. Jan 22, 2015 #2
    HighStreetCoop

    HighStreetCoop Chillin' With My Peeps

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    Welcome! I'm sure people who keep RiRs will chime in (I don't because I find them overly assertive/mean). My only advice would be not to mix them with docile breeds.
     
  5. Jan 22, 2015 #3
    TwoCrows

    TwoCrows Show me the way old friend... Staff Member

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    Hello there and welcome to BYC! [​IMG]

    Some hatchery RIR's can be aggressive. I don't care to keep them but that shouldn't sway you from keeping them. Plenty of members will dispute this and claim they have the sweetest RIR's! I am a Black Australorp fan or Buff Orpington fan. Super friendly, docile, great layers and quite hardy over all. But this is just my preference.

    If you raise a group of chicks together, no matter their breeds, they generally all get along just fine. Aside from the pecking order, there will be peace. Avoid mixing in Silkies or birds that are small with big head crests with larger breed birds. These different looking birds can get picked on.

    Good luck and welcome to our flock!
     
  7. Jan 22, 2015 #4
    appps

    appps Overrun With Chickens

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    Typical guy indeed, can tell by the heading (yuck)

    To answer your question there are docile and not so docile breeds, it all runs more smoothly if you don't mix the extremes.
     
  9. Jan 22, 2015 #5
    Mountain Peeps

    Mountain Peeps Change is inevitable, like the seasons Premium Member

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    Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

    I've known RIRs to be somewhat aggressive especially the roosters. But they are excellent layers.
     
  11. Jan 22, 2015 #6
    SarcasmPhD

    SarcasmPhD Out Of The Brooder

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    Somewhere in the Lone Star.
    Thank you to you all for the info. I guess I may want to research breeds a bit more. When the word, aggressive, appears a few times, I may decide to reconsider my choice of bird. Although, they will be raised together as chicks.
     
  13. Jan 22, 2015 #7
    SarcasmPhD

    SarcasmPhD Out Of The Brooder

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    Somewhere in the Lone Star.
    Thanks TwoCrows. I've read about those breeds. And would definitely like both. I'm getting into raising my own chickens because we purchase ALOT of eggs. Even though they say, "cage free" that is part of the marketing. Between GMOs, and factory farms, I prefer my food to be as clean and natural as possible. Plus, having my own supply of eggs that know are legit is huge for my family.
    I will learn more about the Buff and the Australorp. Thanks again.
     
  15. Jan 22, 2015 #8
    Fred's Hens

    Fred's Hens Chicken Obsessed Premium Member

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    What hatcheries sell as RIR are really pretty high strung, high production reds.

    True bred, "heritage" Rhode Island Reds are only available through a quality breeder. You'd find them incredibly docile. The "RIR" that get that aggressive label are hatchery sourced birds. Two completely different things, just being honest.
     
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  17. Jan 22, 2015 #9
    Book Em Danno25

    Book Em Danno25 Overrun With Chickens

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  19. Jan 22, 2015 #10
    SarcasmPhD

    SarcasmPhD Out Of The Brooder

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    Somewhere in the Lone Star.
    Thank you. That I did not know. And, greatly appreciate the info.
     
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