I am looking to start a small chicken flock. I am currently leaning toward a few Red Stars, Black Stars, Light Buff Orpingtons, & Black Australorps to make about 15 birds. If I keep a Rooster what breed would best? Should I add a different breed of hens or perhaps replace one of the chosen breeds with another breed? I have all the wheels in motion, brooder is being readied, and chicken coop is started. I just need to order exactly what I want. I really look forward to everyone's input because if you have chickens you know more than I do and I need your guidance. Dan
Red Stars and Black Stars aren't breeds, they are the result of a cross which guarantees they will be female. Either the Buff Orp or the Black Australorp tend to be a calm rooster and would be fine. Keep in mind that chickens are individuals, though. (Actually my favorite rooster was a Black Australorp.) If you order 15 female chicks you will almost certainly get at least one male, because sexing of these two breeds is only about 90% accurate. You might want to look through our breeds section in the brown band at the top of the page. You can choose what characteristics are important to you, and see which breeds come up.
