South central Pa

[linetangler]

I'm starting out soon with my first flock of 4-6 hens. Thinking about 4 Rhode Island reds and 2 barred rock hens. Hope they can all get along and be happy mixed together.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Both good laying breeds. In my experience RIRs tend to be bullies in a mixed flock.

I like this chart for breed selection.
http://www.albc-usa.org/documents/chickenbreedcomparison.pdf

Start with the most your coop will reasonably hold. It is much harder to add later.