Picking up chicks on Sunday; need to decide on breeds

[hennypenny18]

hello! Complete newbie here. Our town finally passed an ordinance allowing chickens so we are taking the plunge. We are allowed 6 but I think 4 might be a good way to start. The farm where we are picking the chicks up from require you to pay for 6 but you can take as little as you want and take the others at a later date. So we are looking for friendly breeds that get along with each other and as a rule don’t mind a little chaos. We have 7 kids, 2 of them under 3 years old. The chicks I have chosen are 2 buff orps, 1 barred rock, 1 dark brahma, 1 silkie and 1 araucana. I’m looking to take only 4 so I’d love to know which ones you think would get along and which ones I should not choose. We would like eggs but it’s not the end all be all. Thanks so much for any advice.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Don't get a single silkie. Silkies are best kept with silkie or other gentle bantams, so choose silkies or the rest.

The rest is personal desire of looks. The araucana is more than likely Easter eggers.

 

[Ladybird CA]

are they guaranteed hen chicks? If not get as many as you can because at least half could be roosters

 

[hennypenny18]

are they guaranteed hen chicks? If not get as many as you can because at least half could be roosters

I was told that it was unlikely to get a rooster but if I did get one they would exchange it.

 

[hennypenny18]

Don't get a single silkie. Silkies are best kept with silkie or other gentle bantams, so choose silkies or the rest.

The rest is personal desire of looks. The araucana is more than likely Easter eggers.

Thanks. After doing a lot of research I was finding exactly what you said; that the silkies should stay with all silkies. Thanks for your reply!

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

i have a single silkie and he LOVES my barred rock pullet.

 

[HenHouse4Life]

Hi there! I agree with above. .. all standard or all silkies. I have both but they are kept separate from each other. Silkies are very friendly and just a ton of fun, however sexing them usually takes a few months. Our standard chickens that are your listed breeds are friendly but our barred rocks tend to be a bit bossy, definitely top of the pecking order. Good luck!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

i have a single silkie and he LOVES my barred rock pullet.

Silkie roosters can be with other breeds, I actually keep many bantam roosters with standards. It's the hens you need to be more careful with, as well as any males that are show quality and have limited sight or vaulted skulls.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

Silkie roosters can be with other breeds, I actually keep many bantam roosters with standards. It's the hens you need to be more careful with, as well as any males that are show quality and have limited sight or vaulted skulls.

i do not know "Peanut's" gender. i always just accidentally call it a he.

 

[123RedBeard]

i do not know "Peanut's" gender. i always just accidentally call it a he.

Well ... if "he" starts laying eggs ... that' a clue ...

To the OP ... I'd take the first four you listed ... and plan on a rooster or three ...

Do you have a coop and run yet?