Are Rhode Island Reds aggressive?

[Mandamoo]

Hello Community!

I have a Rhode Island Red hen and ever since we introduced 3 little chicks into the flock she's become very aggressive towards the babies!

At first she would be a jerk when the chicks came near her, but now if she can get access to them she chases them and pecks them really hard, the little ones make very hurt chirps and it's heartbreaking because they are scared of her.

Now the RIR behaviour is getting worse and she is starting to peck us. At first it was just our legs but tonight she pecked me in the eye and I am not going to lie... It ****** hurt!! I am really upset because we are so gentle with them all and try to set them up in the best environment we can, I really can't understand how she has developed this mean streak!

Can anybody tell me if this is a normal phase?

Is this breed an aggressive or unfriendly breed?

Is she just demonstrating her authority over the chicks?

I am worried she will make the chicks aggressive, can anyone tell me what I should do.

Thank you very much

 

[1876 Farm]

My RIRs were quite aggressive and because of this we no longer have them in our flock. We had gotten some Sliver Laced Wyandotte's which are a more docile breed and they wouldn't leave them along.. stressed them out. They were always chasing everyone else around.

 

[Fred's Hens]

True bred Rhode Island Reds are not aggressive. The reality is that 99% of people own production reds from hatchery sources and like many hatchery birds, aggressive tendencies are just part of breeding model of mass production. The most productive females get their eggs in the gene pool. The most aggressive males get to breed to most females. After decades of this model, the results tend to speak for themselves. Our Reds are like puppies.

However, with that said, all birds can be tough on newly introduced "outsiders" who are considered invaders to the flock's solidarity. Introducing smaller birds into a group of well established, larger birds is almost always going to end with the little birds taking a pounding. This isn't a breed specific trait, but the nature of chicken social structure.

The pecking order is often harshly established and harshly maintained.

 

[1876 Farm]

True bred Rhode Island Reds are not aggressive. The reality is that 99% of people own production reds from hatchery sources and like many hatchery birds, aggressive tendencies are just part of breeding model of mass production. The most productive females get their eggs in the gene pool. The most aggressive males get to breed to most females. After decades of this model, the results tend to speak for themselves. Our Reds are like puppies.

However, with that said, all birds can be tough on newly introduced "outsiders" who are considered invaders to the flock's solidarity. Introducing smaller birds into a group of well established, larger birds is almost always going to end with the little birds taking a pounding. This isn't a breed specific trait, but the nature of chicken social structure.

The pecking order is often harshly established and harshly maintained.

This is a really good point, I never thought about it that way. Thanks for the new insight.

 

[aart]

Hello Community!

I have a Rhode Island Red hen and ever since we introduced 3 little chicks into the flock she's become very aggressive towards the babies!

At first she would be a jerk when the chicks came near her, but now if she can get access to them she chases them and pecks them really hard, the little ones make very hurt chirps and it's heartbreaking because they are scared of her.

Now the RIR behaviour is getting worse and she is starting to peck us. At first it was just our legs but tonight she pecked me in the eye and I am not going to lie... It ****** hurt!! I am really upset because we are so gentle with them all and try to set them up in the best environment we can, I really can't understand how she has developed this mean streak!

Can anybody tell me if this is a normal phase?

Is this breed an aggressive or unfriendly breed?

Is she just demonstrating her authority over the chicks?

I am worried she will make the chicks aggressive, can anyone tell me what I should do.

Thank you very much

Ditto what Fred said.

Adding little chicks to a flock of adult hens is asking for trouble, ...read up on integration here.

Chickens peck each other and squawk all the time as part of their social order, as long as no blood is drawn let them be chickens.

Keep the chickens away from your face, eyes are shiny and it's natural for them to investigate or peck out of fear. Not all chickens are cuddly.

 

[Mandamoo]

Thank you so much everyone for your awesome feedback