Am I an idiot?

[chickened]

I have raised chickens for over 30 years pretty much have owned most varieties and game hens seem the meanest but RIR can be mean too. It depends on the strain and the part that most people don't realise the way you raise and feed them has a measurable effect on their temperament to some degree.

 

[Missouri Chicken Chick]

I had nothing but RIRs for years and found them to be really docile birds. I am surprised that an "expert" felt that way about them? Right now I have 4 RIRs and 4 BLRWs and all get along great and even accept new birds to the flock with no trouble. I wish you luck with your birds and I know you will get some great eggs from your girls.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Well, I don't know, are you?

RIR do have that reputation. And the ones we had when I was a kid (many years ago) deserved the reputation -- especially the roos. I can easily see why someone who's had chickens for years would say that.

And certainly, you could "luck out" and get a bunch of cantankerous ones, and decide all RIR are a pain. But I agree with the others, if yours aren't like that, don't worry about it.

 

[crtrlovr]

I have several different breeds including RIRs, and they are no meaner than any others I've dealt with. My RIR roo, Sarge, was the SWEETEST, absolute BEST guy -- I miss him so much. He was a WONDERFUL flock guardian, and gave his life trying to protect his girls from a coyote. I can pick up most of my hens without TOO much trouble

and my now Alpha roo Moose (Buff Orpington) has filled Sarge's "shoes" -- footprints! -- quite well. Probably the most absolute, laid back hens on the place are the single Light Brahma (Daisy) and the single JG (Zilla). I find the EEs are more flighty than the RIRs! I guess it's like people: everyone has their own personality, and generalizations are not always correct.

 

[Jerseyjack]

Quote:
These are my first chickens, so far they are spoiled with attention and seem to love it, I would really like to have a flock of docile friendly chickens, and will keep that in mind. Hadn't thought of them as pets when I decided to get them, but they are growing on me fast.

So far I named one of them Rhoda, just not sure which one yet though

Thanks Linda

 

[chickened]

They do grow on you, what is tough is I have25 red broilers for eating and one little 5 week old roo runs up to me everytime I pull in the driveway. I push him away because I know his fate but at 12 weeks I may change my mind as he is persistent. uh hum, clear throat.
Quote:
These are my first chickens, so far they are spoiled with attention and seem to love it, I would really like to have a flock of docile friendly chickens, and will keep that in mind. Hadn't thought of them as pets when I decided to get them, but they are growing on me fast.

So far I named one of them Rhoda, just not sure which one yet though

Thanks Linda

 

[nanawendy]

I'm with ddawn... as a kid I had to deal w/ a mean RIR roo. But the hens were sweet. I too need the different colors to tell my girls apart. And it's fun to learn about the different attributes and natures. It just depends on where your interests are.