Australorps v.s. Buff Orlingtons

[Brennan2026]

So I have spent hours reading up about breeds. I want a quiet, average or large, friendly chicken that loves to be held. I have narrowed it down to the Australorp, Buff Orlington and maybe Rhode Island Reds. I really cannot tell the difference between them in terms of personality. Which one would love to be held the most? Oh, also I would like to train it at least a bit, so it must be smart. Do you have any suggestions beyond these 3? Thanks for the help. Appreciate ya.

 

[Iluveggers]

Are you only getting one?

 

[Brennan2026]

Are you only getting one?

I will be getting three.

 

[Iluveggers]

My Buff Orpington is sweet as can be. She lays a large light brown egg. They are inquisitive, not aggressive, like a golden retriever always under foot when I am in the run, and will calmly sit on our laps when picked up. She is my son’s favorite. He wants to get another Orpington because of her.

You might also consider Barred Plymouth Rocks. Same temperament as listed above, very inquisitive, and mine are super smart.

 

[LavenderDaFlerf]

So I have spent hours reading up about breeds. I want a quiet, average or large, friendly chicken that loves to be held. I have narrowed it down to the Australorp, Buff Orlington and maybe Rhode Island Reds. I really cannot tell the difference between them in terms of personality. Which one would love to be held the most? Oh, also I would like to train it at least a bit, so it must be smart. Do you have any suggestions beyond these 3? Thanks for the help. Appreciate ya.

Are you planning on getting a rooster or just hens?

 

[NatJ]

I will be getting three.

Maybe get one of each. They are all good breeds, and it can be fun to have chickens that are easy to tell apart (different colors.)

 

[LavenderDaFlerf]

My buffs are quite bossy while the Australorps are a bit more mellow, I would say the Australorps are more cuddly but the but the buffs are more inquisitive. But the wanting to be held part mostly depends on how you raise them. Australorps lay a large medium brown egg and Buffs lay a slightly smaller pinkish cream egg.

 

[DuckDuckSook]

My Australorp is friendly, curious, and top of our pecking order. She is slightly more friendly than our Buff Orpington, who is a little more skittish. That being said, when I just had to pick each of them up to put saddles on them, the Buff chilled out sooner in my lap and was very sweet, while the Australorp really freaked out. I agree with previous posters that the wanting to be held really depends on how often you hold them. My Brown ISA's (similar to RIR) were not as nice. They nipped at me often and mostly didn't enjoy being held. Hope this helps.

 

[drangle]

i have both the buffs are more friendly

 

[EmmaRainboe]

Sweetest birds I've ever owned are Bantam cochins and Ameraucanas. I have never noticed buff orpington to be any friendlier than your average curious chicken. Mine isn't flighty, but she's nothing special.