orpington, rir, and barred rocks in same coop..does it work?

[windychatton]

Getting another 10-15 chicks this spring and outfitting them with a new coop. Want to try orpingtons, rir's and barred rocks..all pullets. Already have 12 red sex links. Will 5 each breed in the same coop workout so long as they have ample space? Seems the orpingtons are a more docile bird.

Thanks

 

[Michael OShay]

All of those breeds will work fine together as long as they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can quickly lead to aggression, fights, biting and feather plucking, and even cannibalism with any breed. RIRs are sometimes aggressive (particularly hatchery quality RIRs) and will likely end up at the top of the pecking order but if you have any that are over aggressive you can always put pinless peepers on them. The Orpingtons will likely end up at the bottom of the pecking order, but there can always be exceptions with any breed. Keep in mind that there is always going to be the normal pecking order no matter what breeds you have.