Barred Rock or Black Australorp?

[RN1159]

We currently have 5 Barred Rock hens (almost 1 year old) in our fenced-in backyard. From everything I've read, I thought that this breed would do well with our 4 young kids. The kids love the chickens, especially our 1-year-old. Over the past few months, several of hens have gotten much more aggressive and have started chasing and pecking the kids, especially the 1-year-old - who loves to be out with them. We've never had any other breeds. Is this common with Barred Rock? Is it common with all breeds? I was considering getting rid of these hens and getting Black Australorp hens because I've read that they are supposedly very docile. Had anyone had experiences with both breeds? Could there be another breed that would better handle kids? I also need something that is not notoriously noisy, since we have neighbors. Thanks for any input!

 

[audrey02026]

I have both and they both are very docile and jump up on the hammock with me. I did have a RIR that used to chase me and try and peck at my feet for a time. She was the lead hen and I just gently yet firmly would push her away with my food and stand my ground I think she was just trying to be dominating. Maybe two times it took for her to understand that I was the leader not her. Maybe when they do that and you are around you could have the kids stand there ground and push them back (with supervision)....make sure they are not jumping at the kids though you don't want them to get scratched in the face.

 

[RN1159]

I'll have the kids try that. Thanks!