Planning to expand my flock....

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

Hi everyone! I’m planning to expand my flock and would love some advice on numbers and breed choices. Right now I have 5 hens (a Dark Brahma, two Orpingtons, an Easter Egger, and an Olive Egger). My main goals are calm, docile birds that are good layers, kid-friendly, and not big escape artists — and of course, plenty of eggs. I’m leaning toward heavier dual-purpose type breeds but I’m open to suggestions.

I need about 15 laying hens minimum to supply my family with eggs, but I’d ideally like to end up with around 18 hens total as a buffer. Because of that, I’m thinking of buying around 13 pullets this spring. Right now my plan is something like 4 Australorps, 3 Sussex, 2 Orpingtons, 2 Marans, and 2 Brahmas (I really love Brahmas). I live in North Idaho, so we get all four seasons with hot summers and cold winters. I’m also expanding my run and coop, so space won’t be an issue.

Does this sound like a reasonable plan? Does anyone have experience keeping these breeds together, or suggestions for tweaks?

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I loved my Speckled Sussex. They were my head hens. I am ambivalent about Orpingtons. They are not interesting to me personality wise or color wise. That’s just me. I used to be a big fan of Marans but now that I free range all day I am phasing them out because they aren’t great foragers and they seem more prone to predation and illness. Probably not a concern for you. My Brahmas, on the other hand, have impressed me in both those areas. I am especially surprised at their foraging skills and ability to roost in trees whether I want them to or not I am also amazed our local hawks haven’t snatched them up because they are bright white!

 

[DemeterAD9]

Look into Wyandottes, I have 3 and 2 of them follow at my heels and don't fuss too much when I pick them up. I wouldn't say they are very large like brahmas but they are nice and round birds. They've certainly grown on me that's for sure. I was hoping to get a couple more of different colors but the ones I wanted were out of stock for the date I wanted at the hatchery.

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

Look into Wyandottes, I have 3 and 2 of them follow at my heels and don't fuss too much when I pick them up. I wouldn't say they are very large like brahmas but they are nice and round birds. They've certainly grown on me that's for sure. I was hoping to get a couple more of different colors but the ones I wanted were out of stock for the date I wanted at the hatchery.

I actually used to have a Wyandotte and she was one of my flightiest birds... She was pretty though! I might just get another... Maybe I will get a Wyandotte instead of an Orpington - that would make it one Orp and one W. I love having a mixed flock.

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

I loved my Speckled Sussex. They were my head hens. I am ambivalent about Orpingtons. They are not interesting to me personality wise or color wise. That’s just me. I used to be a big fan of Marans but now that I free range all day I am phasing them out because they aren’t great foragers and they seem more prone to predation and illness. Probably not a concern for you. My Brahmas, on the other hand, have impressed me in both those areas. I am especially surprised at their foraging skills and ability to roost in trees whether I want them to or not I am also amazed our local hawks haven’t snatched them up because they are bright white!

I used to have a Speckled Sussex and she was the best! I also loved my Marans, which is why I want more of both those breeds!

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I actually used to have a Wyandotte and she was one of my flightiest birds...

I had one like this too! She was crazy! Up a tree. Every. Single. Night. And I could never reach her. She got into the tree because she was an escape artist.

Another breed you might like is Barnevelders. I had one and she was a very mellow, very sweet bird. They’re absolutely beautiful as well.

 

[Not-so Slick Chicken]

Hi everyone! I’m planning to expand my flock and would love some advice on numbers and breed choices. Right now I have 5 hens (a Dark Brahma, two Orpingtons, an Easter Egger, and an Olive Egger). My main goals are calm, docile birds that are good layers, kid-friendly, and not big escape artists — and of course, plenty of eggs. I’m leaning toward heavier dual-purpose type breeds but I’m open to suggestions.

I need about 15 laying hens minimum to supply my family with eggs, but I’d ideally like to end up with around 18 hens total as a buffer. Because of that, I’m thinking of buying around 13 pullets this spring. Right now my plan is something like 4 Australorps, 3 Sussex, 2 Orpingtons, 2 Marans, and 2 Brahmas (I really love Brahmas). I live in North Idaho, so we get all four seasons with hot summers and cold winters. I’m also expanding my run and coop, so space won’t be an issue.

Does this sound like a reasonable plan? Does anyone have experience keeping these breeds together, or suggestions for tweaks?

If you have enough space, any of those SHOULD get along. Individual personalities can't be predicted.

We've had all the breeds you've mentioned, and liked them.

If you're building a new coop anyway, I'd strongly recommend overbuilding. More ventilation than you think you need, more space than you think you need. 18 can make a coop very hot, and their poop will build up fast even if you clean daily.
A place to add extra nest boxes could be good.

Oh... and a coop that can be easily cleaned (maybe even sprayed out), keep out mice, and easy to eradicate mites (knock on wood)