Which Breed is Best for my Flock?

[ChattyChickens4Life]

As for breed friendliness...in my experience....Buff Orpingtons are very friendly. Barred Rocks not as much. I think my White Rocks are friendlier than my Barred Rocks were. Rhode Island Reds are bold and they like to hop on your lap and steal your food. I had a Rhode Island Red who was generally friendly with people, but if you picked up one of her friends she would attack you (she couldn't really hurt you, though). I haven't had the other breeds in your list, but I think I heard the Golden Comets are super sweet.

Thank you so much!

 

[adstowe]

If your birds aren't intended for egg production, what benefit do you get from adding another one? (Honest question. Not trying to sound rude.)

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have found immature birds to be vicious to new comers of their same age. You would doom a single bird to months of running and hiding from the existing birds. Chicks from bonds with clutch or batch mates. I personally would never add a single bird to a flock.

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

If your birds aren't intended for egg production, what benefit do you get from adding another one? (Honest question. Not trying to sound rude.)

It's not a benefit, but another family member. Our chickens are pets, not producers. We would be adding another one just to expand the flock and experience new breeds!

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

I have found immature birds to be vicious to new comers of their same age. You would doom a single bird to months of running and hiding from the existing birds. Chicks from bonds with clutch or batch mates. I personally would never add a single bird to a flock.

The woman at the farm suggested bringing in a slightly older and larger bird. Our birds are incredibly sweet as well. If we brought in a larger bird, would that help my chickens to leave the newcomer alone?

 

[aart]

Just because you don't see a pecking order does not mean one isn't present. They know what it is even if you don't. Of course pecking order is always fluid too.

And while they are nice and sweet now they could become a little more touchy when they reach laying age. Think of them now as some nice 6 year old girls that get along fairly well. At laying age they turn into preteen middle school girls - some stay mellow, some are cranky. That can happen whether or not you add another pullet at this point.

You would probably fare better with an introducing 2 pullets instead of just one. Of course that will depend on whether or not you have enough coop space to add more birds. What are the dimensions of your coop and run?

This is a very important question and I did not see it answered?

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

This is a very important question and I did not see it answered?

Oh yes sorry. Let me go get the dimensions!

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

Coop: 63'' (L) 41'' (W) 50'' (H)

Run: 13' x 6'

 

[aart]

Coop: 63'' (L) 41'' (W) 50'' (H)

Run: 13' x 6'

Great!
Can you post a few pics too?

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

Great!
Can you post a few pics too?

I wish I could! I'm actually on vacation right now! I can explain the set up though....

Our entire setup is under our porch on a concrete base. The coop has 6 nesting boxes (I know it's a lot!) Our run is rectangular and the coop is centered on one end of the run. In the run, we have a hanging feeder and waterer. We have two perches made of logs inned to the walls.

I will get pictures when I can!