The flock. Mixed or all the same?

[Shorty22366]

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

Yeah but I always order early for tophat breeds and silkies because most sell out early. So if they sellout my name is at top of list to get.

 

[chickengr]

Mixed flocks can be fine especially when raised together and given adequate space. One exception that tends to occur time and again is Polish in mixed flocks. Frequently their crests are targeted which can lead to scalping.

rumpless tufted araucanas are another breed that should be kept separately. I learned it hard way. even silkies do better in a mixed flock (my experience).

 

[Betsy57]

rumpless tufted araucanas are another breed that should be kept separately. I learned it hard way. even silkies do better in a mixed flock (my experience).

I have rumpless tufted Aracaucana with my other egg laying hens and no issues. What did you experience?

 

[chickengr]

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.

naked necks are great. I had 2 black naked necks and 1 black copper marans (all girls). then I put 9 white silkies in their coop. never had any issue.

 

[chickengr]

I have rumpless tufted Aracaucana with my other egg laying hens and no issues. What did you experience?

the other hens pecked her. for some reason, besides her tufts theiy pecked hard her vent. she ended up with prolapsed vent and eventually died. she was beautiful. I should have butchered bullies.