Are Wyandottes more of a "grumpy" breed?

[fushalilly]

I have 5 chicks, all females, all 5weeks old. One is a Barred Rock, one is an australorp, one is an Orpington, and 2 are Wyandottes (silver and gold laced). All except the Wyandottes are freidnly to people. When I hold them, they flap and make HORRIBLE noises until I put them down unlike the other 3 who fall asleep in my hands. Are Wyandotte's just a stand-offy breed?

From your experience, what breed of mine should be the most submissive, and which is generally the more aggressive?

 

[farmerlor]

I've owned all those breeds and I tell you I'll never have Wyandottes again. They weren't nasty or anything, never had to worry about getting bit but they just weren't the friendly ones all running up to see what treats I had and wanting to be petted. My austrolorps, BOs, BRs and EEs are all exceptionally friendly but that' s just my experience.

 

[Imp]

I don't think you can judge well when they are chicks. My GLW has been one of my friendlier birds. The Black Astralorp was a nasty chick, but grew up to be nice. They were handraised together.

Imp

 

[deb1]

I don't usually pick up my chickens, but my GLW rooster is the bomb! He is a sweetie and runs to me for treats. He also sticks his head in the doggie door.

We don't let him in the house, of course. He follows me around the yard too.

 

[ChaosTheory]

I always thought I had a fluke with my SLW chicks. We have partridge chanteclers (which are really hyper, but will calm down in your lap), buff orpingtons (big pushovere lap birds if you can catch them) and then the wyandottes, which just don't like being picked up or held or anything. Even once you get them in your lap, they keep their wings flexed so you can't have a good grip on them, whereas everyone is always talking about how they're a nice, calm breed. They aren't mean or anything, they just really don't like people. Pretty to look at though ^_^

 

[Katy]

Mine are very calm and friendly...I've got three different flocks of them...BLR, SL, and Blues.

 

[PoultryPedia]

I can say many of my chicks have changed behavior from when they were chicks to when they were youngsters to when they were adults & a few have had "seasons" while adults.
I have one production-quality Wyandotte as my head rooster. He is a "for-lifer." He takes excellent care of the flock, and tolerates incoming roos reasonably well. He is SO patient with me--I've had to do quite a bit of care for him in the way of treating mites, trimming toenails, etc. He does sometimes do little pecks at me if I bug a hen perching next to him at night or something, but that's very understandable and a positive for a head roo.
I am a fan!

 

[tomato lady]

My gold lace wyandottes are very sweet. They don't sit on my lap, but they do let me touch them and they come running for treats. My silver lace wyandottes peck me when I try to touch them. I go out in the evening and pet all of them just so they remember I am not a bad guy.

I have to say my friendliest bird is a black sex link. He jumps on my back of shoulder whenever he gets a chance.

 

[greathorse]

I had a line of (actually My neighbor she gave me the roosters) of SLW productin stuff that were the meanest roosters I have ever seen. I think this bunch came from Murry McMurry or whoever they are.

This was the only rooster I have ever culled for just plain meannes, but had a group of them in a grow out pen together and it was a rodeo day and night. Must say it was a pleasure to send them off to the processor.

I think disposition has more to do with specific lines than it does breeds. I have a couple BLRW from Katy that appear to be awesome and some SLW from Buddy Henry that sure appear to have a great disposition as well

 

[CMV]

My observation with Wyandottes has been that they don't care for being held, but will tolerate being handled. Mine are easy-going, but not particularly personable. They will come running when I call, but not follow me around like my Giants. They are good, productive hens, but are not my favorites. They are beautiful yard ornaments, but will never be pets.

I still really like them, but I LOVE my Giants.