Silkies with other breeds?

[Elina]

Hi,
My family and I are looking to start a flock of chickens as early as this spring. We have been doing some research, and based on our available space are thinking of having a flock of around six. These chickens will provide eggs for our family but will also be pets. So far we thought we could have a combination of silkies, easter eggers, and barred rocks. I know that these are all pretty docile, but also know that silkies are particularly vulnerable to bullying. If you have any experience with these breeds, how would they get along?

Thanks

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens awful glad you decided to join us here

 

[PirateGirl]

Consider how important egg production is. If you want/need a certain number of eggs a week for your family, will you get enough from this combination? Silkies aren't exactly known for their laying.

 

[sylviethecochin]

If you raise them together, they should get along pretty well. I've raised bantams and ducks together, and bantams and standards together, and they got along fine. Just don't suddenly introduce a lot of more aggressive birds to less aggressive birds, and don't overcrowd.

I also note that Barred Rocks (esp. from a hatchery) can be the exact opposite of docile. They like to be top of the pecking order. Easter Eggers are also a mixed bag, and it can depend on what hatchery you order from whether they'll be docile or not, because they've got no breed standards. (mine are pretty nice, but I've met ones that aren't. Any crossbreed that lays a green egg can be described as an "Easter Egger.")

EDT: I meant that as a general statement of fact, not a warning. With only six birds, I doubt you'll have a problem with bullying.

 

[diamondsilkies]

As long as the silkies are raised with the other breeds as chicks, they should be fine. As with any chickens, keep your eye out for any unusually harsh picking. My silkies get along fine with my black australorp and blue andalusian, except for the occasional pecking order stuff.

 

[PirateGirl]

Also I only have one bird with a beard/muffs, she is low in the pecking order and sometimes the other girls pluck out her beard. They were all raised together. There's never been injury or blood, but chickens do sometimes notice and pick on/pluck the unusual (even if only out of curiosity). Soooo... maybe if you have EEs have 2 and if you have silkies have 2, so they aren't the only bird that looks "different"

 

[Elina]

Do you have any suggestions on other breeds that would get along with silkies? That's the one breed we are sure we want. Another thing I forgot to add is that the birds should be able to withstand Wisconsin winters. While every precaution for their safety will be taken, we don't want them to stay cooped up during that time of year. Thanks for your feedback so far!

 

[sylviethecochin]

Do you have any suggestions on other breeds that would get along with silkies? That's the one breed we are sure we want. Another thing I forgot to add is that the birds should be able to withstand Wisconsin winters. While every precaution for their safety will be taken, we don't want them to stay cooped up during that time of year. Thanks for your feedback so far!

Cochins usually get along well with everybody. But they also go broody at the drop of a hat. If you want layers and you like Plymouth rocks, consider getting the non-barred types. They're less overbred, so they're more docile. (Not that I've ever had them. But that's what I heard from the guy at the auction who does raise them, and I've heard it supported from other sources.) Wyandottes are also supposed to be pretty mellow (and that pea comb is a plus.)

The breeds you have listed should be fine, if they're raised together, and you have a smaller number of birds like you plan on having. I have barred rocks (well, only one at the moment) and they don't fight the other birds. They just always end up on the preferred roosting spots and they tend to be less gentle towards my chicks.