I see no reason why you couldn't select for that. I would not include it on a list of culling criteria because the standard doesn't give a darn about temperament. I think of it as something to be managed, but not selection criteria. I do know a lot of it can be genetic, I have seen all sorts of behavior quirks passed down along genetic lines, so it stands to reason that if it can be passed down through genes, then it can be selected for.It is interesting that your are also Sand Hill Reds
Yes, the temperament was one of the things that drew me to this breed. Had it not been for the testimonies from you folks on this thread, I would have tossed these guys out a long time ago! Plus I found hope with the second line of Red Dorkings and their more reasonable temperaments. I really like the history of this breed and hope to have a flock of SOP quality birds with the temperament, meat quality and broodiness that I have heard so much about. It just looks like it is going to take a while for this to pan out.
Has anyone here ever successfully culled for better temperament? I was once told that you could not "breed the devil" out of a mean rabbit and to get rid of it ASAP! Is the same true for chickens?