There are so many awesome chicken breeds to choose from that we are quite spoilt for choice. There are breeds that lay wonderful organic eggs, those that make great table birds and those that make exceptionally good pets. The more enthusiastic we get about raising chickens the more breeds we want to have. Other than various regulations for where you live, etc. there is really nothing holding you back to having a great mixed breed flock. The thing is, that like us humans, some chicken breed just does not get along. In fact, if their natures clash it could cause a really nasty upset even ending in a bloodbath for your flock.
We have compiled a list of 10 chicken breeds that in general have been known to mix with any breed. We like to call them our chicken mixers as they tend to go with everything!
Our Top 10 Chicken Breed Mixers
Brahma
I know I usually love to start with the Jersey Giant but this time I felt I had to start with the Brahma. These gentle fluffy giants have a way of keeping the peace in a flock. Other birds tend to show them the utmost respect and as such, they tend to rank rather high in the pecking order. Their majestic air sees them stroll along calmly through the garden whilst keeping a vigilant eye out for trouble. Due to their size, even the more aggressive birds tend to give way to them. Read More
Orpington
Orpingtons these chickens are soft on the outside and inside. They are kind gentle souls that are not overly aggressive and tend to mind their own business. When in a mixed flock due to their rather submissive nature they are never at the top of the pecking order. So, if you are going to mix them, even though they will avoid more aggressive chickens, it is best to mix them with gentle breeds. Some of the more aggressive breeds seem to love bullying them. Like the mean girls at school who love picking on the shy girl. Read More
Jersey Giant
Jersey Giants tend to get on with all breeds. Although they can be a bit bossy and mostly tend to land up at the top of the pecking order. They like to keep a calm peaceful coop so do not tolerate other chickens trying to rock the boat. But in general, they a friendly and calm but stern!Read More
Silkies
Silkies may be smaller than most other chickens but they can stand their ground with them. They are a fun, friendly breed that loves to get to know other chickens in the flock. They are not really aggressive, but this does mean that they will not stand up for themselves. As Bantams go these chickens are one of the best bantam breeds to incorporate into a backyard flock.Read More
Delaware
You may find them a bit hard to come by! But Delaware chickens have been a popular choice for homesteaders and backyard coops for many years. They are a very hardy breed that can withstand most conditions and have a very calm even temperament which makes them excellent mixers for your flock. This is especially true for some of the larger breeds of chickens Read More
Easter Egger
Easter Eggers chickens are quite crazy chickens and very playful. They have a calm friendly nature that makes them get along with almost any other breed of chicken. They also lay a lot of great multi-colored eggs! Read More
Polish
The Polish are such wonderful all-around chicken breed you cannot help but fall in love with them. Their quirky natures and weird antics will keep a person entertained for hours. They also have a very calm and gentle nature which makes them a good mixer chicken. They tend to get accepted into the flock without trouble. I am not sure if this is because the other chicken breed tends to take pity on them because they think they are a bit troubled! But they will make a great addition to any flock for the backyard, homestead or farm.Read More
Wyandotte
The Wyandotte has a lovely easy-going nature, they are very friendly and quite inquisitive. They can also be a little loud at times. But they tend to be able to mix and mingle with any breed of chicken. They can, however, get very broody at which time have a tendency to be a bit snappy and protective. But on the upside, they will sit any other chickens’ eggs. They also make great mothers and foster chicken mothers. This is a breed you want as a mixer if your intention is to breed chickens. Read More
Cochins
Cochins tend to be quite lazy and like to stay close to home. They are rather laid back and will back down instead of getting into an argument with another chicken. As they are quite a large breed not many picks on them, but the more aggressive breeds may just try their luck. But they are great brood hens and foster moms for anyone looking to breed. Their quite friendly nature makes them a good mixer breed.Read More
Sussex
The Sussex is quite an easy-going bird. They mix well with most other breeds and tend to run off to explore and forage by themselves. They are not too fussed with the goings on of the chicken hierarchy although they do seem to be quite high up on it. This is probably due to the fact that these ladies do not tolerate other chicken’s nonsense.
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