Ok To Have Only One Bird Of Each Breed?

[wdeubert]

Hi There,
I'm about to begin keeping chickens and am researching breeds. There are several breeds I'm considering but will only be keeping 6-8 birds total. (Only interested in hens for now and main purpose is for pets / eggs). I'm wondering if it is ok to have a flock with 6 different breeds or if there is any reason why it is better to have at least 2 of the same breeds in the flock?

 

[eikome]

You can mix breeds without problems.

I started with 4 hens of different breeds, all standard sized. They did very well together. No issues with keeping 1 of each breed at all.

I don't know anything about mixing bantams with standards though.

 

[rosemarythyme]

For the most part you can mix and match, though it might be harder to mix birds of different sizes (i.e. bantams + large + giants) and certain breeds may be harder mix with others due to characteristics that might get them bullied (i.e. Polish with other birds that don't have head tufts).

 

[azygous]

It's the same as selecting the assorted flavors box of chocolates versus the box with all caramel centers. It's strictly your personal choice, and both choices are yummy good, good good!

My flock of twenty chickens includes ten different breeds (if I'm counting right), and my Brahma, Cochin, Marans, SLWyandotte, GLWyandotte happen to be singles of their breeds. They don't appear to suffer from it or even notice. Neither to any of the other chickens appear to notice these are only singles.

I love all the different breeds I have, including two mixes, and I enjoy all the different egg colors. If you want to go this route, there's no reason why you shouldn't unless you wish to get into breeding.

But @rosemarythyme has a super good point.

 

[Chickassan]

You should be fine but some more docile breeds such as Faverolles fare much, much better with a same breed freind.

 

[wdeubert]

Thanks for all the input! I'm interested in friendly / docile breeds so sounds like mixing breeds should be fine.

 

[Chickassan]

Which breeds are you thinking about getting?
Do you have a shopping list yet? Lol.

Thanks for all the input! I'm interested in friendly / docile breeds so sounds like mixing breeds should be fine.

 

[wdeubert]

I'm thinking of Buff Orpington, Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, Wellsummer, Chochin, Silkies, Faverolles and Brahmas but I need to do some more research and narrow it down obviously lol. Any recommendations?

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
Silkies can be tricky in mixed flocks, because they are smaller, can't fly, and don't see well with that topknot. Many people have them in separate housing because of that.
Depending on where you live, some breeds will do better than others. In very cold climates, single combs and big wattles may get frostbitten; not the end of the world, but not nice either. In very hot climates, the big fluffy birds have more problems overheating.
How about egg colors? An Easter Egger for green, for example?
It's good to try different breed types, and see who you like.
Mary

 

[sourland]

Silkies and Polish in mixed flocks are frequently targeted by flock mates. Bantams raised with large fowl from chicks generally manage to hold their own. Space is a big factor in all of this.