The flock. Mixed or all the same?

[BrandonVercnocke]

Mixed flock! Way more fun. My flock gets along great.

 

[Hyper_Chicken05]

For me, It’s kinda more fun having lots of different types of chickens, All the same is sort of boring and plain.

 

[Criticalicious]

I thought a single breed flock would be dull, but it's not. Each bird has her own personality and the breed characteristics vary across individuals. So even within a single-breed flock you get a lot of variety. It's definitely more challenging learning their names when all the fluffy butts look similar! But then you have to learn them by other means than just their breed, for example, bigger comb, different stance, etc. I use colored leg bands to help.

 

[R1V3R20NG]

My problem is (I have a mixed flock) the ones that are the same breed have issues with each other.

 

[feathermaid]

The thing is, everyone has their own experiences and you can try to avoid mistakes by listening to others (which is very smart) but no matter what you choose... you will still end up having your own unique experience that will include unforeseen challenges. Just choose whatever breed appeals to you and let the chickens tell you where to go from there.

My chickens are telling me that I need lots more colorful varieties!

 

[Betsy57]

I've had chickens for 8 years and have always had a mixed flock. Haven't had any problems due to breeds. Have had a bully that I moved in with the other flock and then she was at the bottom of the pecking order. It is nice to look out in the chicken yard and see all the different colors/breeds.

 

[Shorty22366]

I just ordered 15 new babies to be delivered on June 3. 11 polish and 4 easter eggers. I can hardly wait... Woohoo. These will be added to my current flock.

 

[BReeder!]

I just ordered 15 new babies to be delivered on June 3. 11 polish and 4 easter eggers. I can hardly wait... Woohoo. These will be added to my current flock.

June 3rd? They are not even incubating yet... That's a pretty early order.

 

[aart]

June 3rd? They are not even incubating yet... That's a pretty early order.

It's good to order early for later delivery if you want specific breeds.

 

[igorsMistress]

I like a mixed flock, I can tell each bird apart. No problems with unusual aggression toward each other. I added 2 more pullets about 7 months later, they've integrated into the flock just fine. They're Nn so look completely different from the rest.

Some birds just don't get along. I dislike the generalizations about breed temperament. My friend has a RIR hen that is a hellion. It's going to the freezer because repeated attempts to separate and reintroduce haven't stopped her aggressive behavior.
My Reds, purchased at the same store from the same batch, are great girls. They're the top of the pecking order, but not mean or nasty about it.