Am I an idiot?

[Jerseyjack]

Just over 2 weeks ago, I bought 14 RIR chicks,(all layers) all are doing great! All are getting along, no troublemakers or bullies. I was told by someone who has had chickens for years, I shouldn't have bought ALL RIR's, that they are naturally mean birds and tend to fight a lot with each other as they grow. I'm working on the coop and run now, they will have more than the recommended space (sq. ft per bird) both in the coop and run areas.

As I was listening to this expert, not knowing anything about chickens other than what I've read here, I started thinking maybe that's why so many people here seem to have a variety of birds. I really don't care if they all look sort of the same, I like brown eggs. Can anyone else back this mean statement up? Is it true? Am I an idiot? Please be honest, Thanks

 

[FireTigeris]

No,

RIR -can be- more aggressive then some other breeds, but mostly people like eye-candy.

Chickens are chickens, excluding silkies and polish- (because they look so different) - LF (Large Foul) Chickens are just that, normal sized chickens, they are not overtly raciest or 'breedest' whatever.

 

[sourland]

Nope, you don't qualify. At least you don't qualify just because you bought all RIR. You may have other traits that qualify youy.

There is a wide range of temperment between and within breeds depending upon the genetic make up of the source. Odds are that your birds will be fine.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

My RIR's aren't mean. In every breed you can get some with nasty dispositions, maybe this person was speaking only from their own experience

I wouldn't be too concerned unless YOUR birds start fighting a lot. RIR's generally are a bit flightier than some breeds, and some CAN be mean, but like I said, mine aren't. Hope that helps

 

[meganmbaker]

No, you're not an idiot. I had a bunch of RIR and noticed they were quieter and more timid than my Barred Rocks, Buff Orpingtons, and Americaunas. Maybe that person had a really aggressive bunch, or they were over-crowded? Maybe mine were wimps?
I wouldn't worry about it. If they're getting along great now, I'd suppose they'd continue that way.
I think most people like to have a variety for the fun of it. It's hard to name and keep track of them when they all look the same.
Now, this is my first year with Cuckoo Marans, and some of them fight to keep their eggs - but not all. On average though I'd say they're the most aggressive I've had yet.
Good luck, and don't worry. They work out their pecking order and stay pretty well in line after that.

 

[Jerseyjack]

Quote:
I have moments when I seem overqualified

Thanks for the replies, makes me feel much better. Now, I guess the question should be, am I gullible?

Thanks for setting my mind at ease, been thinking about that for hours, also thinking I might be eating more chicken sooner than more eggs

 

[hennyannie]

I agree with the other post, one of my RIRs is our gentlest hens and I have had just RIRs and I have had them mixed with other breeds. Our easiest roo was RIR, he never got mean. You will have great brown eggs and more than likely a good group of hens.

 

[terrilhb]

I have 11 RIR Hens and 2 RIR roo's. 2nd ROO is seperated for now) They are all as sweet as can be. I had trouble with the Minorca Roo I had. He had to go. He was sweet just to many roo's for my hens. I would recomend RIR's

 

[gryeyes]

I'm one of those people with a multi-breed, multi-color flock (and eggs). I started first with 8 chickens, and specifically got 8 different breeds (or so I thought; I'd actually gotten 7 different breeds) because I was totally new to chickens and I knew I would name them. They would HAVE to look different, because I was sure I wouldn't be able to tell them apart if they were all RIRs. Yes, I specifically considered RIRs. Just got one... Otherwise, it would be like this each morning:

"Good morning, Rhoda! How are YOU, Rhoda? Lookin' good, Rhoda! Mornin', Rhoda. What a pretty girl you are, Rhoda! What's up, Rhoda? Hello, Rhoda. Hey, Rhoda! Good morning to you!"

By the way, this is my solo Rhoda.

And she's a sweetie.

 

[benjoycei]

I want some of every kind!