Best breed to go with Rhode Island Red Flock?

[LadyCogburn]

Hi! We have a flock of 10 RIR. About 7 weeks old. We would like to add to the flock in the future but I'd like to know what your opinions are on the best breeds to add with them. Thanks!

 

[Quarterhorses1]

Hi! We have a flock of 10 RIR. About 7 weeks old. We would like to add to the flock in the future but I'd like to know what your opinions are on the best breeds to add with them. Thanks!

I think you could add just about anything! Maybe ISA browns or leghorns

 

[K0k0shka]

I think you could add just about anything!

Nope. RIR is one of those breeds where you should NOT add just about anything. They are dominant and prone to chicken-on-chicken aggression, and will bully submissive breeds (or individuals). You should be very careful what you add to them. OP is very wise to ask for advice before getting just anything. I don't keep or like dominant breeds or RIRs and their derivatives, so I don't have advice on specific breeds to add, just on what to avoid - the mellow and submissive breeds (like Orpingtons, Barnevelders, etc.), as well as any breeds with intentionally-bred defects that may look "cute" but handicap the chicken's ability to see or avoid threats - like Silkies, Polish, etc. who are defenseless and easy targets for bully breeds.

 

[Party_Chicken]

Maybe some Wyandotte's? I have a RIR in my flock and I would be merging them in if she wasn’t there. They are an aggressive breed so be extremely careful.

 

[DotToDot]

Golden Buff Orpingtons work well with RIRs.

 

[DotToDot]

Golden Buff Orpingtons work well with RIRs.

Ooh, or silkies.

 

[Quarterhorses1]

Nope. RIR is one of those breeds where you should NOT add just about anything. They are dominant and prone to chicken-on-chicken aggression, and will bully submissive breeds (or individuals). You should be very careful what you add to them. OP is very wise to ask for advice before getting just anything. I don't keep or like dominant breeds or RIRs and their derivatives, so I don't have advice on specific breeds to add, just on what to avoid - the mellow and submissive breeds (like Orpingtons, Barnevelders, etc.), as well as any breeds with intentionally-bred defects that may look "cute" but handicap the chicken's ability to see or avoid threats - like Silkies, Polish, etc. who are defenseless and easy targets for bully breeds.

Oh ok lol all of my RIRs were very submissive and fine with all others including younger birds. Maybe I just got lucky on each and every one of mine

 

[Bella the Chicken Lover]

I have my RIR with Sussex, Wyandottes, Black Australorps, and Leghorns, and they are fine.

 

[K0k0shka]

Oh ok lol all of my RIRs were very submissive and fine with all others including younger birds. Maybe I just got lucky on each and every one of mine

RIRs are extremely popular and common, both mass produced by hatcheries and bred by breeders. It is very possible that different lines will vary between each other, as will individuals. But on the whole, the breed is a very well known bully and the chicken groups are full of people complaining that RIRs are terrorizing their other chickens.

 

[Pipica]

Ooh, or silkies.

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