What full size breed to mix with bantams?

[sunnie7]

Anyone have any recommendations on full sized chicken breeds that I can successfully mix in with my 5 bantam Cochin hens next spring? We are going to be moving and getting 5 acres so we are going to expand our flock! I plan on only having one large coop, there is an old large playhouse on our property that we will be converting soon! I'm not planning on breeding or anything just a little egg production for the kids to be able to sell some eggs to close family and friends every now and then.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

There will be lots of suggestions but what is the climate like where you are moving?

 

[sunnie7]

There will be lots of suggestions but what is the climate like where you are moving?

We are in southern Indiana. We get some snow but not usually too much. Oh and I don't hear my coop and my bantams did just fine last winter!!!

 

[lazy gardener]

Got kids? I'd go with a few of each: Dominique and EE. These LF are on the smaller side, both are good foragers, and their personalities work well together. IMO, you'll never find a more friendly breed than the lovely Dom. Your kids and their customers will LOVE those EE eggs.

 

[keesmom]

Some of my kids' favorites - EE, Orpington, Faverolles, white Rock, LF Cochin, Brahma, Sicilian Buttercup.

They also have a personable brown Leghorn and buff Minorca, though those breeds can be flighty. There is also one black sex link that is always underfoot.

All these breeds are also with a few bantams and are fine.

 

[21hens-incharge]

My orpingtons get along well with my Cochin bantams. My Brahma and Black Australorp do as well.

My sex links not so much. Actually I segregated my Cochin's because of the sex links.

I may be making soup if they don't straighten up.

 

[sourland]

Faverolles and orpingtons are generally mellow breeds. Introduce them to the cochins while still immature. That way the cochins may remain dominant.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Perhaps if your Cochin's go broody they can even raise the shocks for you. Mine adopted and raised my giant Cochin's along with barnevelder, Australorp and Orpington.

 

[Lavender Ro]

Orpngtons and I hear Black Australorps do well with Cochins.

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

Easter Eggers are wonderful chickens! My flock consists of a Silkie Bantam, and 4 standard EEs. They get along great! The EEs seem to have no judgement, and just view our silkie as a sister. This may be because they have been together since Day 1, but EEs are still sweet!