question about raising two different breeds of chicks together

[scheelgrl]

I am planning on ordering chicks this spring, but my father in law - to be keeps advising me against ordering two different breeds of chicks because he says different chicks from different breeds wont get along and i will end up with dead chicks! I am distraught! I am hoping to get some RIRs (his choice) and blr wyandottes ( my choice) both breeds are the same size and i am planning on 1 coop with separations for two sets of chickens. I am planning on separating the hens and cockerals until they grow out of adolescence, and ultimatley will havfe two groups of chickens. There will be two runs to keep them separate. Or can i keep different groups together and separate tyem for breeding? I am brand new to chickens and byc and would appreciate any info or advice! Thanks!

 

[chickbea]

If the chicks are similar in size and will grow at a similar rate, it isn't a problem to have them together.

 

[stoopid]

As long as they are brought up together, it shouldn't be a problem.
As they get get older though, that old phrase "birds of a feather..." may kick in.
Don't know how they know, but they seem to figure it out.
You should do just fine, good luck with them.
And

from Long Island!

 

[diggerthechickenman]

i have like 35 chickens of different ages some old hens 4+years and some pullets that are a few months from laying and this is made up of various breeds and i havent had any problems raising them together and there are even a few roosters mixed in the whole bunch.

 

[Linn Bee]

I didn't notice a problem with different varieties 25 years ago when I had chickens and I haven't noticed a problem with my two different varieties now. My grandson has been watching to see if the birds will 'segregate' themselves to eat, roost, range, etc. with birds of the same breed. Doesn't happen around here.

I don't think you will have a problem mixing birds of the same or nearly same size.

 

[scheelgrl]

Oh thank you so much for tha advice! And so quickly! I am in love with this forum! There is always such a wealth of inbformation and people willing to give advice! I will def keep you all updated when i do finally become a bonafide crazy chicken lady!

 

[chickengrandma]

I specifically ordered a "variety pack" from mypetchicken and received 6 different breeds of bantams. They don't know they are different breeds - all they know is that they are from the same flock and have the same mama (me. They all get along fine...of course there is the normal pecking order stuff going on.

 

[ozark_chickies]

I bought 3 different breeds at the feed store last spring, all the same age, total of 20 chicks and they got along fine. I then bought 36 chicks of 2 different breeds, same age, from a hatchery, and had to separate the 2 breeds at 4 weeks old, because one breed was more aggressive and picked on the other.

 

[Ridgerunner]

You mean different like these? This was taken when it was 4 degrees F, by the way. I gave them to option of staying in the coop or going outside. You can see what they chose.

There is something to "birds of a feather flock together", but I don't take that to mean color. Each chicken has its own individual personality. Some are more adventurous, curious, or active than others. These things tend to follow breeds some, but it can be quite individual. My flock often breaks out into different sub-groups. It sometimes seems like color may have an influence, but I think it is much more that birds of similar personalities flock together. I've had black and white hens form their own sub-group, while red and buff formed a second. Then there was the third group that was pure rainbow that never left the rooster's side. The blacks and whites (Australorp and Delaware) were very adventurous while the reds and buff (Sussex and Orpington) had no adventure in them. Then there were those that preferred male company.

Breeds do have tendencies but I find the individuality of the different chickens is more inmportant than the breed.

If you want to keep the breeds pure, you will need to separate them for breeding. I don't but them being purebreds is not one of my goals. You are a lot more limited by your goals than by your chickens.

 

[Tracydr]

I have at least 6 breeds of all different sizes together.