small and large breeds together?

[midwife mama]

Do smaller breeds generally work OK with larger breeds, or will the larger breeds tend to gang up on smaller birds? thanks!

 

[BantyHugger]

Mine pecked the smaller ones at first to establish dominance but they all live together peacefully now. Make sure your banties are old enough that the pecking won't make them bleed. If they bleed the whole group will gang up and kill them.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I agree with Bantyhugger. Watch when you mix them to see that none are seriously injured.

It's funny, but once they are grown, size of the chicken isn't always that important in determining pecking order. It is not unusual for the larger chicken to be lower on the pecking order. Depends more on the spirit of the chicken.

Editted to add: Separate feeders and waterers when you mix them seems to help keep down the conflict.

 

[midwife mama]

Interesting, thanks!

How long does ittake them to establish a pecking order?

These birds will all grow up together as chicks. At what point/age would you recommend "watching" them for signs of harassing behavior?

 

[Ridgerunner]

They will start establishing pecking order in the brooder.

I thought you were going to mix them later. If they start out together, there should be no issues relative to the size other than the normal dominance.

 

[bantamfan]

I don't understand all the problems mentioned here, I raise bantams, and do it for the roosters. It's fun watching them mature and see what beautiful color patterns they get. I've not had all the problems mentioned here. Just know how much I love my roos.