Adding large fowl to existing bantam flock?

[Anonymous]

Can anyone offer advice?

I have added single bantams to my existing flock twice now with no problems. I usually place new girls in an adjoining run so they are visible but not accessible all day, then add to the henhouse at night, full run access the next day. Initially a few squabbles, but once they sort out the pecking order never any long term problems

My query is I fancy buying a couple of large fowl & thought about using the same run & henhouse as the bantams. There is plenty of space for both but would they get on??? 09

Many thanks

 

[foxy]

What breeds were you thinking off and what sort of bantams do you have? Most will get on fine..apart from the usual pecking order squabbles, specially if you have plenty of space

 

[daniellesdogs]

iv got brahmas & orpington large down to tiny dutch, pekins and silkies they mostly get on iv also got large ducks. the big breeds are quite plasid so quite easy its the light sussex i have to watch but even the young chickens were let in the flock with no injery

 

[ncotb]

Mine are a mix too. My naughty pekin decided to let out a breeding pen of serama yesterday & the little boy was putting one of my LF in her place :lol:

 

[Marigold]

I've no doubt the bantams will put the LF in their place, but I should think the damage would be less than the other way round simply because the bantams haven't got the sheer weight behind their pecks that an adult L:F hen can produce. I've successfully introduced LF pullets to bantams with no more than the usual squabbles over who was boss (the bantams of course.)

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much for all your help! I think I feel brave enough to add some large fowl to my bantam flock of silkies now. I was thinking of getting a couple of cochins or orpingtons.... will keep you all updated!