What's the best mix

[pjrmayo]

My husband and I have been raising PBR pullets from Mt. Healthy Hatchery for a few years now. However this year we are thinking about taking advantage of their create a mix. I'm thinking PBR's, Hubbard Golden Comets, and something else (help here!). Will mixing breeds make for more of a pecking order mess especially if they are different sizes. And, I need a hearty breed as we live in Minnesota and while the coop is insulated, it still is cold in the winters!

Thanks!!
Patti

 

[dadsdeercamp]

 

[Illia]

Apologies that your question was not answered.

Different breeds and sizes of chickens aren't really a concern, honestly. As long as they're raised together, any choice should do pretty well.

Most common hatchery offered breeds do pretty well in cold climates too.

 

[pdsavage]

If I was starting over and just wanted some nice layers it would be:

Barred Plymouth Rock -well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, docile; more easily handled

Buff Orpingtons -adaptable to free range; very adaptable to confinement; docile; more easily handled

Speckled Sussex -well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm; gentle; active; can be curious; more easily handled

Black Australorps -well adaptable to confinement or free range; calm, docile; more easily handled

Araucanas AKA EE's -well adaptable to confinement or free range; mostly calm, non-aggressive

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html#n