The flock. Mixed or all the same?

[mimipeaches]

In reading, I've seen it said that in a mixed flock, sometimes the different breeds don't get along...one chicken or another will be picked on - or pick on another one because of the difference. I know that the same thing can happen in a non-mixed flock, since pecking order and all that. But does it get better if they are all the same breed? I'd really love to get speckled Sussex, but I'd like thoughts on whether an all-one-breed flock makes things better or not, since my partner wants a mix of different breeds.

I have a very mixed and they get along pretty well because if you put them together early enough I don't think that they really notice because I have a bunch that stick together and they are not the same breed. I have 2 of the same breed and they hang out in different flocks. SO I think that it really depends on your chicken.

 

[Onslow's Hens]

I have a mixed flock of 30 birds. Before I add a breed I research it's temperament. I stick with breeds that are docile and gentle. I know that each bird can have it's own personality regardless of the breed but some breeds are simply more aggressive than others. I read reviews of a breed I am interested in from real people with real experiences - I do not go by the reviews on hatchery websites. I try to always have at least 2 of any given breed so they have a buddy to hang with. And yes, birds of a feather really do flock together. When doing my nightly head count, the breeds seem to pair up and roost together. Strange how they can tell who is who. When I see my GLW, you can be sure my other GLW is near by. When I go out to check on everyone (mine free range on 20 acres), once I spot one of my 4 Australorps, I can be sure the other 3 are not far away. Have no idea why that is. I have had a few "stinkers" that had to be rehomed becasue they just could not get along with everyone. It happens. My advise - have a mixed flock. The variety is fun and makes giving them names easier! Surprisingly, my Speckeled Sussex are mid to high in the pecking order even though they are supposed to be very gentle and low in the order. Just be smart about which breeds you choose. Flighty, nervous breeds do not mingle well with gentle docile breeds - unless they are plenty of free range room.

 

[Eggscaping]

Thanks for including the pictures of your hens! In front of a camera, chickens always seem to have a "What are YOU looking at??" expression, don't they?

 

[BReeder!]

I have a mixed flock of 30 birds. Before I add a breed I research it's temperament. I stick with breeds that are docile and gentle. I know that each bird can have it's own personality regardless of the breed but some breeds are simply more aggressive than others. I read reviews of a breed I am interested in from real people with real experiences - I do not go by the reviews on hatchery websites. I try to always have at least 2 of any given breed so they have a buddy to hang with. And yes, birds of a feather really do flock together. When doing my nightly head count, the breeds seem to pair up and roost together. Strange how they can tell who is who. When I see my GLW, you can be sure my other GLW is near by. When I go out to check on everyone (mine free range on 20 acres), once I spot one of my 4 Australorps, I can be sure the other 3 are not far away. Have no idea why that is. I have had a few "stinkers" that had to be rehomed becasue they just could not get along with everyone. It happens. My advise - have a mixed flock. The variety is fun and makes giving them names easier! Surprisingly, my Speckeled Sussex are mid to high in the pecking order even though they are supposed to be very gentle and low in the order. Just be smart about which breeds you choose. Flighty, nervous breeds do not mingle well with gentle docile breeds - unless they are plenty of free range room.

I second that with my Speckled Sussex. 2nd or 3rd in our pecking order. Cuckoo Marans is at the top.

 

[Chickassan]

The flock here don't seem to care about pairing up with the same breed.
They do however stay with their hatchmates when foraging.
I admit, I got suckerd by "reviews" when I started hatching the Faverolles.
All said get them a buddy they'll do better. Not the case, they do fine with everyone. Don't believe everything you read folks.

Mixed, but still fine!

The ONLY photo of all the Faverolles girls together. Neat because the perspective makes the bantam look huge.

This is the reality.

This is my head hen, a dominique named Hobo. Another docile breed that can end up being top banana. She's approving the girls in the first picture here.

 

[Shadrach]

I keep 4 flocks. They choose who they live with. They chose to live with their own breed, or mixed breed relations.
Below is an interesting article on why related groups may fare better in some areas.

This article may be of particular interest to @centrarchid
https://academic.oup.com/beheco/article/28/3/760/3057961

 

[Onslow's Hens]

I was thinking about getting some Salmon Favs. Are their eggs small or medium and about how well do they lay per week? I have seen totally different info about that depending on where i read.

 

[BReeder!]

I was thinking about getting some Salmon Favs. Are their eggs small or medium and about how well do they lay per week? I have seen totally different info about that depending on where i read.

Find a source and ask about their Salmon Fav hens. I have some hens who lay more than they should and some who lay less than the should based on reviews. The breeding source is the best place to get information. If the mother lays 4 eggs a week consistently I am inclined to think the female chicks will too when they mature.

 

[Erin80]

I have a mixed flock. 1 barred rock, 2 silkies, one blue Ameraucana, 1 BA, one light Brahma and one salmon faverolle. All hens.

 

[Chickassan]

The full sized girls lay a 60gram egg which is considered a large, the bantam is in the 40gram range so that is a small. Normally they lay around 5 a week.

I was thinking about getting some Salmon Favs. Are their eggs small or medium and about how well do they lay per week? I have seen totally different info about that depending on where i read.