LGM
In the Brooder
I bought 8 chickens two years ago, and they have exhibited very different personalities, far more different than I had expected.
1. As they are aging and I am considering getting some more, I am wondering if others have observed the same characteristics or whether mine are different from what is typical for the breed(s). I bought 2 of each: golden laced Wyandotte, Silver Laced Wyandotte, Speckled Sussex, and Jersey Giant.
Speckled Sussex: by far the noisiest and more curious. She likes people the most and loves back scratches. She is quite assertive to get food and treats. But her complaining can be a nuisance. (One turned out to be a rooster so had to rehome, so only one Speckled Sussex.)
Jersey Giant: the most standoffish, least friendly of all, but hearty and dominates the rest of the girls. Won't let me reach into the nest box without pecking at me. Not pets at all.
Silver-laced and Golden-laced Wyandottes: These are in the middle for temperament. They sometimes let us scratch their back, but stay aloof most of the time. Not aggressive at all. Just skittish. They don't peck at me when I reach into the nest box, they just scoot over or leave.
2. If I bought these breeds and want to add some more to the flock, do you have any suggestions? The poor Speckled Sussex gets picked on a lot because she is smaller than the others, so I'm wondering if I should add more of them or will they get beat up. But I love her personality. Are there other breeds I should consider that would meld well with this batch and be more personable? I'd love to hear other perspectives.
1. As they are aging and I am considering getting some more, I am wondering if others have observed the same characteristics or whether mine are different from what is typical for the breed(s). I bought 2 of each: golden laced Wyandotte, Silver Laced Wyandotte, Speckled Sussex, and Jersey Giant.
Speckled Sussex: by far the noisiest and more curious. She likes people the most and loves back scratches. She is quite assertive to get food and treats. But her complaining can be a nuisance. (One turned out to be a rooster so had to rehome, so only one Speckled Sussex.)
Jersey Giant: the most standoffish, least friendly of all, but hearty and dominates the rest of the girls. Won't let me reach into the nest box without pecking at me. Not pets at all.
Silver-laced and Golden-laced Wyandottes: These are in the middle for temperament. They sometimes let us scratch their back, but stay aloof most of the time. Not aggressive at all. Just skittish. They don't peck at me when I reach into the nest box, they just scoot over or leave.
2. If I bought these breeds and want to add some more to the flock, do you have any suggestions? The poor Speckled Sussex gets picked on a lot because she is smaller than the others, so I'm wondering if I should add more of them or will they get beat up. But I love her personality. Are there other breeds I should consider that would meld well with this batch and be more personable? I'd love to hear other perspectives.