New to chicken keeping and want to raise multiple breeds? I bet your wondering if different chicken breeds can live together. Here's the answer.
The short answer is yes, different chicken breeds can be raised together, but that is a very simple answer. There are some breeds that might not do great together.
There are also some good reasons why you actually should have a mixed breed chicken flock. First, let's talk about which chicken breeds should not be raised together.
Chicken breeds that should not live in the same coop
Below are some guidelines on which chicken breeds don't do well with each other. These are not hard rules, and you may find that raising these breeds together works for you.
Bantams and Giants
Chickens have a pecking order which means you shouldn't raise huge chickens with bantams. A good example are Jersey Giants and Silkie chickens, they probably won't get along.
The reason to keep these breeds separate is due to the possibility of bullying. A bantam chicken doesn't stand a chance against a giant.
Keep these chicken breeds separate to reduce the chance of chicken injuries.
Aggressive and docile breeds
It is never a good idea to mix aggressive chicken breeds and docile breeds. Salmon Faverolle chickens and game breed chickens are on opposite ends of this behavior spectrum.
The aggressive chicken breeds will pick on the docile breeds and the outcome won't be good. Make sure to read about the chicken breed's behaviors that you want to raise in the same flock.
Why you should have a mixed breed flock
The great news is, most chicken breeds can be raised together and get along. If you stick with medium to large sized chickens with similar temperaments you will be just fine.
I actually think it is beneficial to have multiple chicken breeds in your flock. Here are a few reasons you should have a variety of chicken breeds.
Variety in egg color
Chickens can lay brown, green, blue, pinkish, and white eggs. Having a mixed flock means you will have a basket of eggs with all different colors!
Even though all my chickens lay brown colored eggs, there is a slight color variation with every breed. If you want a range of egg colors get multiple breeds.
More resilience
Some chicken breeds can withstand disease and sickness better than others. If you have a mixed flock and a sickness goes through your chickens you will have a better survivability rate.
I have never had an issue with sickness in my flock. (Maybe that's because I have so many breeds?)
Easier to tell your birds apart
A flock of Orpington chickens pretty much look all alike. Having a varied flock will help you keep your chickens straight.
This can be helpful for monitoring flock health.
Steadier Egg production
Some chickens are better egg layers in differing seasons. If you have a mixed flock you should have a steadier flow of eggs coming into your kitchen.
Make sure to get chicken breeds that are specifically winter layers and summer layers.
Varied feathering and disposition
It's just fun to have a flock of chickens with each one being a bit different. I love to watch my flock and how they interact with each other.
My Barred Rocks are dominant while my Golden Laced Wyandottes are followers. My Salmon Faverolles will just wander off and do there own thing.
Next time you pick out chickens make sure to mix things up and get multiple chicken breeds!
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