rhode island red or black australorp friendlier and best egg layer?

I've only had a RIR but she was a little aggressive. Production reds are, in my experience, a little more polite & often better layers. RIRs are prettier though. (than production reds)

I have one of each. By far, the RIR is friendlier - she will run down as soon as she sees me, is easy to put back in the coop when I need to and enjoys a cuddle. My Australorp is still very sweet, but just a little more "aloof". If I manage to catch her, she is still happy for a cuddle.

I got them at the same time and they were both point of lay. They have both been highly productive, regular egg layers. The RIR eggs are probably a little larger, but not by much. The RIR has been broody once over summer, the Australorp has not been broody yet (in about 15 months). They both free range very well.

My Australorp is probably 1.5 times the size of my RIR. 

I think the Australorp is prettier, I love the green and purple gleam to her glossy black feathers. 

I probably haven't helped at all, they are both nice (and cold tolerant - don't know if that helps). The RIR is probably a little easier (because of her friendly nature) to "control". 

Quote:

Originally Posted by godisgood 

Which of those two eat less, better free range, are friendlier, lay bigger, darker, and more eggs?

A breed of chicken can't be judged based on the experience of having just one or a few of the breed. There are individual variations.

The Rhode Island Red is slightly larger on average than the Black Australorp, and the Rhode Island Red will lay a little larger eggs on average than the Black Australorp.

The Rhode Island Red will rarely go broody. The Australorp will sometimes go broody.

Both breeds of hens will lay about 5 light-brown eggs a week on average in a year. Rhode Island Reds are a little better egg-layers. They both are hardy breeds that can free range well. I would say they eat about the same amount.

Australorps are generally more friendly than Rhode Island Reds, which typically do not like to be picked up.

Again, there are individual differences. You may get a hen that isn't like a typical hen of the breed.

Both the Rhode Island Red and Black Australorp are great dual-purpose breeds.

Here is information about popular chicken breeds.

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/628129/most-popular-small-flock-chickens-resource-for-selecting-your-chickens

If your wanting lap chickens you will need to spend alot of time with your chickens & spoil them with treats.

Hi!  I have a RIR and she is a complex diva!  I have 2 Barred Rocks, 2 Ameracuanas and 1 Welsummer.  My RIR loves to come in the house and see what I am doing when it's warm outside, she is inpatient when she wants her snack.  She lets me pick her up and hold her on my lap, but will peck my painted toenails when I put her down.  She acts all tough, but is silly.  I do think Australorps are just beautiful!  If you want something friendlier, spend lots of time holding your chicks.  My RIR is a good egg layer with good size eggs.  Good luck! 

I would recommend  both! I have 3 of each! :)