What Chickens Get Along

[Nursepine]

Hello All,
I had 4 chickens roaming around and having fun who all began laying eggs, sadly a raccoon get 3 of them and my big girl Henrietta survived the ordeal (not without a little wound). She is happy enough still laying eggs but I ordered her some friends almost her age.
My question is Henrietta is a Buff Orpington and I ordered 1 BO and 2 Black Australorps. When reading around it seems that these guys get along and are as friendly as the BO does anyone have any experience with this breed? Are they as friendly as BO's?
Thanks for any input.
Suzanne

 

[sourland]

In my experience Australorps have been almost as mellow as Orpingtons. That being said there will very likely be some skirmishes when you introduce them to Henrietta. The nature of the pecking order is that she will attempt to exert dominance over the 'newcomers'. Be sure to quarantine the new birds prior to introduction.

 

[Nursepine]

In my experience Australorps have been almost as mellow as Orpingtons. That being said there will very likely be some skirmishes when you introduce them to Henrietta. The nature of the pecking order is that she will attempt to exert dominance over the 'newcomers'. Be sure to quarantine the new birds prior to introduction.

Thanks for the reply. Henrietta is the queen and the protector she fought to protect her sisters. I let everyone roam free around the backyard, I should just let them run all together to get to know each other?

 

[Nursepine]

Here is a picture of my Henrietta.

 

[SueT]

I had Australorp and Buff Orpington together.... there are steps to take in introducing new chickens.... but I think your first priority must be improving security. Have you taken steps to prevent further predation?

 

[Nursepine]

I had Australorp and Buff Orpington together.... there are steps to take in introducing new chickens.... but I think your first priority must be improving security. Have you taken steps to prevent further predation?

Yes the raccoons figure out how to open the nesting box but we put a lock on it so this will not be an issue any more. I should have the new chickens in the next week.
Thanks for the reply.
Suzanne

 

[SueT]

Yes the raccoons figure out how to open the nesting box but we put a lock on it so this will not be an issue any more. I should have the new chickens in the next week.
Thanks for the reply.
Suzanne

Okay, good. Here's an article on integrating newcomers that was featured this week...you can't just put them in together and expect harmony....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/how-to-integrate-your-chicken-flock-the-easy-way.63034/

 

[lazy gardener]

I have no experience with BO, but have found BA to be nice birds.