To add Rhode Island hens? Or not to add is the question

[4 ever Orpington]

I have a small backyard flock of very peaceful one year old Buff Orpingtons. Thinking of purchasing three baby Rhode Island pullets to raise. Then integrate them into my flock. The ratio being five buffs to three Rhodes. Will the Rhodes temperament create conflict. Thanks for help.

 

[Folly's place]

It depends. The new birds will be junior, a good thing. Some people have good luck with hatchery RIRs, others of us have not been pleased. The SQ lines are different, so I have no experience with them.
I would choose another breed myself.
Mary

 

[Harmony Fowl]

When I had RIR chicks, I couldn’t stand them, but they were not a bother to the other birds, kind of low ranking, actually. Mine were as young as or younger than the other birds.

 

[Percheron chick]

Why RIR? There are many other great options out there without the potential aggressiveness. BOs are so mild mannered they won't stand up to any bully.

 

[JedJackson]

I have a small backyard flock of very peaceful one year old Buff Orpingtons. Think of purchasing three baby Rhode Island pullets to raise. Then integrate them into my flock. The ratio being five buffs to three Rhodes. Will the Rhodes temperament create conflict. Thanks for help.

Usually the older birds are the ones that create the problem when adding pullets and not the other way around. So I would be more concerned for the pullets initially. And I would think the Orpingtons would hold their ground even when the pullets got older, but you just never know. If you are concerned about Rhodies, maybe just get more buffs or some Sussex or Barred rocks instead when the time comes. But I personally haven't found Rhodies to be especially aggressive. Most I've had were active but not mean or pushy.

 

[4 ever Orpington]

Usually the older birds are the ones that create the problem when adding pullets and not the other way around. So I would be more concerned for the pullets initially. And I would think the Orpingtons would hold their ground even when the pullets got older, but you just never know. If you are concerned about Rhodies, maybe just get more buffs or some Sussex or Barred rocks instead when the time comes. But I personally haven't found Rhodies to be especially aggressive. Most I've had were active but not mean or pushy.

Thanks! My buffs are very tolerant of newbie’s. I had a barred Rock that was a total B.

 

[4 ever Orpington]

Why RIR? There are many other great options out there without the potential aggressiveness. BOs are so mild mannered they won't stand up to any bully.

I really like the Rhodes. Just don’t want to create drama with my Orpingtons

 

[4 ever Orpington]

It depends. The new birds will be junior, a good thing. Some people have good luck with hatchery RIRs, others of us have not been pleased. The SQ lines are different, so I have no experience with them.
I would choose another breed myself.
Mary

Thanks

 

[JedJackson]

Thanks! My buffs are very tolerant of newbie’s. I had a barred Rock that was a total B.

That just goes to show you that it's more about the individual than the breed. If you want Rhodies then go for it. Try to get younger pullets and make sure to quarantine before introducing them and see how it goes. More than likely you won't have problems.

 

[PlymouthRockBBredSebright]

trust me, it is worth it, do it