quickcluck Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 Hi, I've completely got the chook bug Am wondering if the large breeds and hybrids can live happily together? I've 6 lovely girls in my cube. If I could sort out the intros could I add 2 orpingtons or other large breed in? Would they fit? thanks K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 I have big cochins, a maran (who is small and flighty) and a hybrid living together - with 2 more hybrids yet to be added (living in my eglu at the moment). of course its best to follow an gradual introduction period first of all, but they all get along great. You find that the big fluffy breeds (Orps, brahmas, Cochins) are very docile and submissive and happy to be bottom of the pecking order. My fluffy girls are an absolute pleasure to own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurmurf Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 hi quickcluck I've got 6 lovely hybrids happily living in my cube too - and I've been introducing two pure breeds: a black orp and a cream legbar (there should have been a buff orp moving in too, but we lost Buffy sadly). Yes, there's room and yes, with the proper intros done verrrry sssslooowwwlllyyy, all will be happy and bright! I'm planning on brahmas next, two... maybe?! Oh and a welsummer... my YD also fancies a favorelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted January 4, 2009 Author Share Posted January 4, 2009 ohhhhhhhhhh thats sounds very encouraging!!! I love orpingtons but also like brahmas, cochins and WYANDOTTES... am not sure how I would choose between them. I think it may come down to what's available as they all seem to be in short supply! Would need to sort out seperate accomodation too...... have thought about hiring an eglu from someone on here, but am not sure that would be cost effective as it would take sooooooooooo long Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruth1 Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 I've got a mix of both and have no issues Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 As you can see I've got a fair old mixture of tiny to huge and they all free range together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurmurf Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 will you be patting our pockets for stolen chooks as we leave, Janty? I was wondering how to fit a brahma in mine..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helenmb Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 I have two Sussex (and Speckled and a Silver) with others - making a total of 7 in a cube and there is loads of room. They are in a walk in run however, so if they only have a Cube run you might need an extension or two. I'd have some more if I had run space and free garden for them. I'm working towards moving into the country for lots of land so I can have as many as I can afford to feed thankfully my DH is of the same mindset. I am sure you will have no problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The 3 D's Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 So would it be ok if i had 3/4 orpingtons and 2 warrens in a cube with an extention? You have probabily already answered the question, but i just want to make sure because if i get the orpingtons and they dont fit in, i will be a bit stuck! Thanks Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 Orpingtons are very large hens, im not sure that wouldnt be too much of a squash to be honest even with the extension. (up to you though ) See what other people think.... 2 orps and 2-3 standard size hens as a compromise maybe? The cube itself is not the problem.....its the size of the run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moomin Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 I think Orps do better with a bit of space to run around in, more so than Cochins I believe So as Chelsea says it's not the cube size it's the run that's the problem with such big girlies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted January 6, 2009 Author Share Posted January 6, 2009 I have a standard cube and run with 2 extensions. I think that makes it a 4m run! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 I have a standard cube and run with 2 extensions. I think that makes it a 4m run! I have the same set up as you and I had two cochins, two brahmas (both large) and two hybrids in there. It was ok but I always felt guilty hence the fact that they are free ranging permanently now and have trashed the garden. Good job hubby is very understanding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 will you be patting our pockets for stolen chooks as we leave, Janty? I was wondering how to fit a brahma in mine..... I don't rate your chances with Buffy. She is permanently pre-menstrual! And Emma is more likely to pick your pocket than allow you to take her off. She pinched a pork chop from the BBQ last summer and I wrestle it back off her. She has a good pair of legs on her and she was away pork chop in beak. That just leaves you my little Kylie the miniature brahma. She's lovely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 She pinched a pork chop from the BBQ last summer and I wrestle it back off her. She has a good pair of legs on her and she was away pork chop in beak. lol, what a little minx! would love to have seen her do it though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 She is a right madam. She breaks into the conservatory at every opportunity to eat the cat's food. Defra would have kittens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 I love to watch them run aswell....they are such a sight when they run! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurmurf Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 I love to watch them run aswell....they are such a sight when they run! my hybrids can run at break neck speed across the garden, however Willow my 'gangly' and growing black orpington does a mixture of a gallop and hopping skip across the garden, she looks so improbable: a great feathery space hopper bouncing across the garden! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helenmb Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 And Emma is more likely to pick your pocket than allow you to take her off. She pinched a pork chop from the BBQ last summer and I wrestle it back off her. She has a good pair of legs on her and she was away pork chop in beak. That I would liked to have seen Pork 'scratchings' maybe? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
