Is this normal behavior?

[starjj]

I collect bantanies LOL just because I like the look of them, anyway I have noticed something and I suspect it is probably normal behavior but I am curious.

I usually get them at a flea markets, animal swap usually a male and female.

Usually the pair or triple (1 rooster, 2 hens) does not associate with the other chickens other then at feeding time. This has been true for all I have purchased. If I purchase them together than they remain as their own little group. The exception being my black tailed Japanese rooster has allowed 3 black cochin hens and one cochin rooster into his group but he remains more bonded to one cochin hen that has been with him from the start.

There is one black cochin hen that I bought with two gold laced cochins and she remains outside all groups because she (the only one that will) allow me to pick her up and pet her.

[Cyngbaeld]

Yes, they tend to stay with their "clique" just like children.

[starjj]

Thank you for the answer. I never knew chickens were so childish LOL.

[BlackWillowFarm]

I bought several varieties of chicks this spring. They're all 4/5 months old now. I have Buff Orpingtons, Speckled Sussex, Buttercups, Minorcas and had some Delawares that didn't make it. I also have a group of Welsummers, Barnvelders and Cuckoo Marans. I noticed they all seem to choose their own kind when roosting at night. During the day you can usually find them hanging out together too.

What's that old saying..... "Birds of a feather flock together"... must be true.

[WstTxLady]

i agree, they usually establish their "groups" & keep them pretty tight. i have had barred rocks (old girls) and silver laced wyandottes for well over a year now. the barred rocks were second hand & already together expect the roos were pushing each other around & 1 got pushed out. then i got the dottes, which were raised together, they took in the spare roo & are like 2 separate lil flocks but eat together & to go the coop together.

my 15 (golden laced wyandottes, welsummers & marans) have been raised together & stick together pretty tight. but they accept the 3 bantam cochins, 2 top hats & 1 egyptian fayoumia in there also. guess cause they are still somewhat young (around 4 mths old).

[mygoat]

Mine tend to stick to their groups pretty well, too. I imagine there will be drama in the near future, when I isolate out the breeds into separate pens, to get purebred eggs.

My favorite group is my rhode island red rooster with his 4 New Hampshire girls. They always sunbathe in the driveway and drive my dad NUTS because they come visit him on the porch when he's grilling.

[Sanza]

I've already mixed some 3 month olds in with my layers and mine all mix and mingle and even have some of the young ones roosting right next to the oldest top rooster. I have black australorps, cuckoo marans, ameraucanas and silkies.