Single Breed vs Mixed Breed Flock

[SaltLakeSpice]

Hello,

I live in Salt Lake City and I'm hoping to start a small flock (no more than 10) of chickens this spring. I was wondering if I would be better off sticking with one breed or would it be ok to mix and match a few different breeds. What are the pros and cons of either option? Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[BirdBrain]

When you pick breeds to have in your flock pick what looks nice to you but also consider breed temperments. If you look at Henderson's table you can see which birds generally behave in which way and choose accordingly. Some birds are usually at the bottom of the pecking order due to their retiring nature. Others tends to be more flighty and/or bossy. Pick birds that would do well in your climate. Living in Alaska, I am opting to have heavier bodied birds with smaller combs in general. I have kids so I want to have dome that are just pets whose nature it is to be more docile. I want to have some broody minded birds as well as some that will make a decent showing on the platter. So, you see, you have to decide what you want and go from there.

Henderson's chart:
http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

 

[chickbliss]

Hi SaltLake,

I don't have near as much experience as some of the rest of the folks here, but I can tell you that I started my first flock (eight chicks) this year with seven different breeds, and I'm glad I did. I like the variety, it's easy to tell them apart, and they all get along splendidly. We even have one Silkie in the mix, and even though she's half the size of the others, she acts like she doesn't notice. They all have different personalities, and I have no idea if they are different because they are different breeds, or because they are all individuals.

I just made sure I got all cold-hardy breeds that were medium productive in the egg department. (Didn't want eight super-productive chickens all laying eggs at the same time.)

For the record, I have an Australorp, Silver Laced Wyandotte, Golden Laced Wyandotte, Rhode Island Red, Barred Rock, a silkie, and 2 Easter Eggers.

Have fun with the decision,
Bliss

 

[Laney]

I think it entirely depends on why you are getting chickens. If you are just getting into it for fun and eggs, then a variety of breeds, keeping in those things mentioned above (cold hardiness and temperament) would be a great introduction. Keep in mind that any fertile eggs you get will be mutts however, or as we like to call them, "designer eggs".

If you think you would like to get involved in trading eggs in the future you might want to stick to one or two breeds to make it easier to isolate the birds, making sure that you are able to assure any eggs you are sending out are pure. Trust me when I tell you that chickens are addictive. Unless you are restricted by city/county/or homeowners rules you will end up with another coop, a second third or forth run etc.

Now if your trying to decide on a breed, might I recommend the Delaware

They are beautiful birds, white with black barring on the hackles and tail (roosters) solid black tails for the hens. They have large single combs and wattles and lay large - jumbo eggs. They are a dual purpose bird which means if you are so inclined they make a great Sunday dinner. Their personalities can not be beaten as they love to cuddle, and can give a chicken stink eye better than any other breed.

To see some lovely pictures come see over in Breeds and Genetics we have a Show off your Delawares thread!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=249618&p=1

Laney

 

[catdaddy66]

I believe most casual raisers of chickens enjoy the variety of a few breeds, but also am sure that some prefer 1-2 breeds only (like meat bird growers and show-birders). I am getting 5 of five different breeds but now my son has asked for another type (green/blue egg layers), so some Ameraucanas are also coming! If they prove to be too much then downsizing will be in order, but I doubt that will happen

 

[kelidei]

Quote:
Oh my gosh--- If that's not the truth then nothing is!!! I speak as someone planning our third coop (a big one this time 10x20 ft) with 6 eggs under a broody, 6 in an incubator and 24 more chicks coming in April....

I am hopeless!

 

[SaltLakeSpice]

Thanks for the responses. I appreciate the info you have shared. I was especially glad to read the some of you had flocks with chickens of different sizes and they seem to get along fine. That was one of my concerns about a mixed flock. Thanks again.

 

[chickensioux]

My Chickens
1. Bunny - Silver Laced Wyandotte
2. Ginger - Araucana
3. Twyla - Araucana
4. Dumplin’ - Partridge Cochin
5. Snickers - Bantam Buff Cochin
6. Skittles - Bantam Golden Cochin
7. Heidi - Bantam Dutch
8. Darlin’ - Bantam Sebright
9. Cindy - Buff Orpington
10. Tulip - Buff Cochin
11. Hope - White Rock
12. Opal - Blue Andalusian
13. Olive - Black Australorp
14. ZuZu - Black Silkie
15. Pebbles - Partridge Rock
16. Dear - Salmon Faverolle
17. Sophie - Salmon Faverolle
18. Tinker - Salmon Faverolle
19. Honey - Buff Brahma
20. Butterscotch - Buff Brahma
21. Cinnamon - Ameracauna
22. Loralei - Ameracauna
23. LuAnn - Ameracauna
24. Gabrielle - Golden Laced Wyandotte
25. Goldie - Golden Laced Wyandotte
26. Izzy - Blue Silkie
27. Dexter - Blue Barred Cochin Roo

List of my chickens and the variety of breeds I have. Bantams mixed in. I love looking at the different sizes and colors. Enjoy!!!!

 

[rhoda_bruce]

For someone who wants it all.....eggs, meat and broodies, I would say get a nice combination of everything. If its just eggs or eggs and meat, then maybe you could choose from the dual purpose breeds. Yes, temperment is an issue, but the crazier the chicken, the more likely it is to survive a preditor attack and the more white eggs you will have. They are all good....but good for what? That is the question. I, personally would be happy with a little of everything, but my husband wanted a certain breed and seeings as it was him that made my coop, I went with his wishes....which I'm not sorry. RIRs are good chickens. Not many here brag on leghorns, but to me they are a guarantee of eggs, like many white egg layers. If you have a good set-up, just study all the breeds and mull it over and over until you come up with what is right for you. It took us a while.