Sageandonion Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 We hope to get our chickens this weekend, depending on the weather. The hen house is assembled, ready and waiting . We only want 3 girls (to begin with) and ideally I'd love an Orpington and maybe a couple of hybrids. A supplier I've spoken to has an Orpington available but she is about 18 months old , apparently she's a lovely bird. The supplier is due to get some 18 week old hybrids in today. Would I be taking a big risk if I went for the "old" orpington and two young hybrids? I've read that Orpingtons are very docile so I'm thinking she hopefully wouldn't bully the younger girls but as this is our 1st foray into chicken keeping I don't want to rock the boat too much. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percy049 Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 We also are thinking about adding 2 new hens (1 or both might be an orpington) to our existing flock. from what I've read, orpingtons are docile and usually tend to get bullied themselves. you are also getting 2 that have already been together, and will look after eachother, so you should be fine with 2 hybrids and the orpington Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 Personally I'd go for three youngsters all around the same age. 18 months is quite old for a chicken although pure breeds can have a much longer lifespan than hybrids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 I think that might work out nicely - the orp can be top hen in a laidback way and show the youngsters the ropes. I'd go for it My oldest orp is nearly 5 and she was my best orp layer last year (not that that was saying much mind you!) You should have a good supply of eggs from your almost ready hybrid girlies and quite a few less from your more stately orp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sageandonion Posted January 6, 2011 Author Share Posted January 6, 2011 Thanks all, will let you know what we go for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megalin Posted January 6, 2011 Share Posted January 6, 2011 We have an Orp and 2 bantams.... There was pushing a shoving for a few weeks but now she's big mummy hen and the little ones sleep under her. She's top hen but with a kid glove so from my experience I'd say they'd be fine but give them some good time to settle. We almost re homed the orp but it turned out I just couldn't speak chicken yet and was misinterpreting her behaviour! Good luck whatever you decide, Don't forget to post pics! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
