After much reading here on BYC, I think I've decided the breeds for my mixed flock. I'll be getting day-olds, most likely from Meyer Hatchery in March. I know if they are raised together, they will probably get along ok, but I just wanted to check. I'd like to get two each of the following: Buff Orpington Black Australorp Barred Rock SL Wyandotte Easter Egger Wellsummer Blue Andalusian and some kind of Polish I'd like to have a varitety of egg and bird color, but more importantly, I want nice, easy going birds. Anybody see any problems with above?
polish usually arent easy going... they are VERY VERY VERY hyper. sometimes to the point they die. i had one die because it was just too high strung and died. i have one left but if she gets surprised she FREAKS OUT. i definatley wouldnt call a polish easy going. they are more tasmanian devils in a chickens body. the calmest chicken i have is either my easter egger or my silver laced wyandottes. hope this helps. i would get either some cochin for their feathered feet silkies because of how cute they are or a golden laced wyandotte in place of the polish. all three of these breeds are eye catchers and they are easy going usually...
I have read that the Mediterranean Breeds like the Andalusians can be mean, but I suppose it is up to the individual bird. You may find your lighter weight birds boss your more plump ladies around. Good Luck with your flock plans!
Out of your list I have BA, BR, SLW, and EE. My EE is by far the squirreliest, but I think that's just her. We get along fine anyway and I'm planning to get some more in the spring. My favorites are the BA and BR, but all of the above are calm and friendly (to the point I have to shove them out of the way). I also recommend Gold Laced Wyandottes, New Hampshires, and Speckled Sussex. My SS birds seem to have the most unique personalities, but they're very pretty, laid back, and fit in with everybody else. Enjoy your new flock!
Thanks for your input! The Andalusians had me wondering, I really picked them because I like their coloring and wanted a white egg layer in the mix. As far as the Polish, I picked them simply for looks! I think they look neat! My plan was to name the "working girls" (good layers) names like Henny, Chickie, etc. and name the Polish Tyra and Claudia( as in Banks and Schiffer). How wrong is that? DH thinks I'm weird... Anyways, I'm not really that hooked on either breed, and its more important that my whole flock is somewhat toddler friendly. I don't want my kids to be traumatized by any crazy chickens, or vice versa. The latter being the more likely. I do know that I don't want any white chickens. I think I'll switch GLW for the Polish. Any ideas for a friendly, heavy white egg layer? I'll keep looking! Thanks again!
just wanted to throw my 2 cents in. brahmas are known for being gentle giants and mine have proven to be such. they do lay brown eggs so can't help you there. if you don't want lights brahmas, which are primarily white, then how about some buffs or darks? all the colors are very pretty, very regal looking and their feathered feet make me laugh.
I have raised all of the birds you have listed in a mixed flock and they got along fine. Sounds like you will have a very interesting and beautiful flock. I will agree with the other post in that Brahmas are fine additions to consider and also cochins. Both are very gentle and mind their own business. If you are going for eggs though, the brahmas are better layers than cochins. Good luck to you!
