Starting over and need help.

[TXmama4boys]

Hey all!
It is good to be back.

We moved and are having to start fresh. I have forgotten a lot and need some guidance.

I really want some good egg layers and some good broody mamas. My initial thought was to get 5 silkie chicks (and pray 1-2 of them are pullets) and then get 5 buff orpington pullets. I am wanting to go on the docile side of things due to some rowdy chickens we had a few years ago. It traumatized my kiddos.

So my 1st question is, if I raise my silkies and orphingtons together, will they have issues? A friend just told me that because of the size of my silkies, that any bigger breed will give them a hard time? Is this true?

Also, we are going to let the chickens run around in our small fenced in yard. I know the silkies aren't flighty, but does anyone have experience with the orpingtons being flighty?

I am sure I will have more questions. As of right now, this is what is in my mind.

Thank you!

And ps- if you have another breed suggestion, I am completely open-minded.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I've never had Silkies, but the BO's I've had have been calm, docile and friendly, so I would say a good choice for kids. First year, egg laying is o.k. - each girl is different, but would say anywhere from 3-5 eggs a week average for BO's.

As for them getting along with Silkies??? Hopefully someone that raises Silkies can chime in on that. I would like to have a few myself, but feel that I need separate housing for Silkies. For some reason I don't see large fowl and Silkies getting along too well

As for other breeds - every chicken has the potential to be either friendly or not...I'm partial to Plymouth Barred Rocks - calm, confident, chatty, good egg layers and can be friendly. Now, "friendly" is in the eye of the beholder If you want "cuddly" then Barred Rocks may not be for you, some might be, but they are usually too independent - they love to be talked to, hand fed, but no touching please.

Another one that is often overlooked is New Hampshire. Mine are chatty and friendly. Don't mind to be picked up, curious, good egg layers and fairly docile.

Your question is going to get you loads of opinions- we all have our favorites and experiences.
I hope all goes well for you!