One chick or two?

[ConnieJean]

Good Morning, I'm getting ready to build my flock, probably 10 chicks to start. I want a variety! My question is, is it better to get get at least two chicks of a single breed or is it ok to get one of each breed? TIA!

 

[nuthatched]

You can get one of each, it's typically not a problem.

 

[Iluveggers]

Good Morning, I'm getting ready to build my flock, probably 10 chicks to start. I want a variety! My question is, is it better to get get at least two chicks of a single breed or is it ok to get one of each breed? TIA!

I like keeping a mixed flock, it’s so fun to see all the different colors! The only thing you want to be careful of, is that if you put “docile” breeds with more “bossy” or dominant breeds, sometimes they get picked on. I have a flock of 10 gentle, friendly, docile breeds, and although my olive egger is the boss and will sometimes peck the girls to get treats first, that’s the only conflict I’ve seen. If you want suggestions for similar-personality breeds, please let me know!

A lot of places are sold out of chicks until late summer, but Ideal Hatchery & Mt Healthy still have a pretty good selection of breeds with earlier dates.

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

Go with 1 of each! You will have a wonder rainbow basket.

 

[Gray Farms]

One of each will be fine typically. Only thing I would caution is with crested breeds. They often get picked on in mixed flocks.

 

[MountainWoman73]

The only reason to get two is that invariably the one you like the best/ are most excited about will be the one that dies before laying. That's always my luck.