Seeking advice for small backyard flock. Will Wynandottes pick on Australorps?

[mythicnoise]

Hello everyone! I am a new member and just about to get my first chicks.

I live in a residential area of Sacramento, CA (temperate/hot climate). I am planning on a flock of four birds. I would like high egg production but also long-term production (technically impossible, but one can try!).

I was thinking about getting 1 Black Sex Link, 1 Red Sex Link, 1 Golden- or Silver-Laced Wynandotte, and 1 Australorp. That way I have two production hens (lots of eggs for shorter time) and two "pretty" hens that will lay fewer eggs, but for a longer time.

However, I've read that Wynandottes can be dominant and Australorps can be submissive. Do you think a Wynandotte is likely to pick on an Australorp?

Another option would be to get two Wynandottes instead of 1 Wyn and 1 Aust.

I also know that Australorps and Buff Orps are two of the most popular backyard breeds, and both of those are usually mellow. Would I be safest getting one each of those instead of Wynandotte(s), in addition to the two sex-links?

So in summary, here are the few options I'm considering:

• 1 BSL, 1 RSL, 1 Wynandotte, 1 Australorp
• 1 BSL, 1 RSL, 2 Wynandottes
• 1 BSL, 1 RSL, 1 Australorp, 1 Buff Orp

I know each bird within a breed varies...it's just that the dominating reputation of Wynandottes concerns me a bit.

Any and all other thoughts/suggestions are welcome!

This seems like a GREAT forum/website. I've really enjoyed reading through it. My favorite thread so far is the recent one about "complaining" chickens...funny stuff! I'm sure I'll have a blast with my flock.

 

[mythicnoise]

Also, apologies if this is the incorrect forum...wasn't sure which one was the best fit.

 

[donrae]

My Wyandottes have never been particularly aggressive, they've been more middle of the road in my flock. I think your breeds sound like a lovely backyard flock!

 

[SlowQueen]

Hello! I have 2 Black Australorps, 2 Gold Lace Wyandottes and 2 Plymouth Barred Rocks. My flock is only 4 weeks old but the Barred Rocks are by far the most adventurous and seem the most dominant. The Australorps come in second and the Wyandottes seem the most timid. I've had them all since they were 5 days old and so far no one is getting picked on and they all get along really well. I'm hoping it stays that way!
Good luck with whatever you choose!
Here's a pic at my peeps taken last weekend:

 

[Michael OShay]

When I've had both breeds together, the Wyandottes seemed to be typically dominant over the Australorps in the pecking order, but you're going to have a pecking order no matter what breeds you have (even if they are all the same breed). It's always possible to have an exceptionally aggressive bird that has to be culled from the flock, and I did have that happen a couple of times with Wyandottes, but it was the exception and not the rule. Personally, I would go with the Buff Orpington as the companion for your Australorp instead of the Wyandotte. The lay rate of the two birds is about the same, but the Orpingtons are probably as gentle a breed as there is. I've had them, along with the Black Australorps, for years and never had an aggressive bird from either breed. If lay rate is a major consideration, the Australorps are the best layers of the three breeds. Whatever breeds you decide to go with, good luck with your flock.

 

[mythicnoise]

Thanks for the fast replies! It's interesting that all three of you have had different experiences with your Wyandottes' temperments. Although the Wyandottes are stunning to look at, I'm thinking I might go with the Australorp and Buff Orp since they are better layers and have a better chance of being mellow.

How about broodiness between the three breeds...any opinions on which are least broody? I'd feel bad having to put them in broody jail all the time.

 

[Michael OShay]

Thanks for the fast replies! It's interesting that all three of you have had different experiences with your Wyandottes' temperments. Although the Wyandottes are stunning to look at, I'm thinking I might go with the Australorp and Buff Orp since they are better layers and have a better chance of being mellow.

How about broodiness between the three breeds...any opinions on which are least broody? I'd feel bad having to put them in broody jail all the time.

All three of them will go broody at times and do make good mothers, but in my experiences with them, the Australorps and Wyandottes are less broody than the Orpingtons.