15 week old Rhode Island Red- cockerel or a pullet

[itspebbl]

I have an Australorp and she is great, very gentle and calm. However, how the chickens are raised can have a factor in how they behave, but overall, I've heard both of those are great birds.

 

[#lovemychickens]

Thanks for all of your input! Super helpful!!!

 

[The Angry Hen]

Have any of you had black australorp or the speckled Sussex chickens? Those are on my "to get" list. Are they friendly and good around children and other chickens ?

I have had both... Personally and honestly I wouldn't suggest them. I'd dislike to do anything that'll steer you away from your decision... But I've had bad luck with them.

(Oh, and I would give you my opinion on what gender on what your young chicken is.... But my computer is uploading the pictures slowly and they aren't showing yet).

 

[#lovemychickens]

What was your experience with them? Were they aggressive? Broody? I'm open to all suggestions and am interested in hearing others experiences with those two breeds.

 

[The Angry Hen]

What was your experience with them? Were they aggressive? Broody? I'm open to all suggestions and am interested in hearing others experiences with those two breeds.

My two Black Australorp roosters were very rude and nasty, they'd attack you from behind... My other BA hen pecked another hen's baby (she's luckily okay but it was a miracle).
I've only had one sweet/broody BA hen, she hatched my first broody batch! But she can be grouchy at times.

And with the Speckled Sussex, they are nice- (I'd suggest them over Australorp's...) But Sussex are REALLY stubborn and skittish, they cause dust, escape all the time. And vent pick (hurts the hind area). They get along with each other but can be dominant to other's.

That is my experience with those breeds. If you want a good layer, broody hen, sweet as anything, and the same size as a Sussex or an Australorp... I would suggest Buff Orpington's.

Oh and, nice to meet you by the way!

-Angry Hen

 

[#lovemychickens]

I have two buffs right now. They are sweeties! I also have barred rock, Rhode Island reds, and silver laced wyandottes. We've held our chicks ever since they were a day old but the wyandottes are so skittish and you can't catch them to even touch them. Looking at some additional breeds to expand our chicken family. Nice meeting you too and thank you for all of your input!

 

[The Angry Hen]

I have two buffs right now. They are sweeties! I also have barred rock, Rhode Island reds, and silver laced wyandottes. We've held our chicks ever since they were a day old but the wyandottes are so skittish and you can't catch them to even touch them. Looking at some additional breeds to expand our chicken family. Nice meeting you too and thank you for all of your input!

That is wonderful, yes I rate Buff's as the perfect starter breed, very docile and motherly.
Yes, I have Wyandotte's too, they do seem to be on the "over reactive" kind of side!

Anytime, I am glad to have helped! You have a nice evening now!

Sincerely,
-The Angry Hen