Barred Rocks

[nancysmith2]

I am looking to buy some hens. I have been checking out the black and white Barred Rocks, RIR, and EE. I want docile, non broody, easy to confine, quiet chickens. I live in the city and I don't want to disturb my neighbors. I have 2 EE and 1 RIR. The EE are more verbal than my RIR. I am not sure if this personality or breed. What can someone who has barred rocks tell me about the traits I mentioned above?

 

[CityClucks]

Barred Rocks are awesome. Mine make some noise when they lay an egg, but they're not as loud as my RIRs. The Barred Rocks are the most friendly and curious hens in my flock, and I would recommend them for your needs.

 

[LeBlackbird]

I have not have good expirience with BRs. The are the most aggressive of all my birds. I would pick a more docile breed.

 

[nancysmith2]

Thanks so much. I am a little unsure of myself. I am really new to this. I love the way the BR looks but know nothing about them. Are they sweet and don't mind being handled? Are they good layers?

 

[nancysmith2]

Oh wow. Now I am conflicted. More input please.

 

[anngili]

My Barred Rock is curious, friendly, and likes being petted and she's not even laying yet. She's quiet in a certain way. She will make little noises (very quiet) to "talk" to me and greet me or the other birds but I can't even hear it if I'm 20 or 30 feet away.

She's not aggressive although she's above another chicken in the pecking order and boy will she come running if she thinks I might have a treat!

If I get any more chickens (I'm maxed out right now, though), I'll get another BR and hopefully a couple of Dominiques or Delawares. I like my BR so much and they and the Dominiques share a common heritage, so that's why I'd like to try some Dominiques.

 

[LeBlackbird]

BR bantams are a whole other story, Mine are sweet, and cute as a button.

 

[Rebel Rooster]

I have over 20 of them... I think that they are the most gentle of all of my breeds. I love mine!

 

[BeardedLadyFarm]

I'm in a city, and could only have quiet docile breeds as well.

I recommend getting a variety (maybe 30% more than you "need"), and sell the ones that don't work out.

I had an EE that was a real screamer. I had a cochin, a silkie, and 2 Salmon Faverolles that were loud, skittish and flighty, and they're all known for being quiet little angles. They have new homes now.

I now have a mixed bag. My BR's are quiet, and one is very friendly. I never hear a peep from my SLW or my Cuckoo Marans. Even my leghorn is calm and quiet. Black Australorp was a loud chick, but is a quiet pullet. My Blue Wyandottes and my EE are chatty, but not loud.

In short, individuals vary greatly. You'll probably get an odd rooster in the mix too, which we never plan on happening. Just plan on some not working out, allow yourself to order a few extra, and go from there. Craigslist is your friend.

 

[BattleChickens]

I am really enjoying my BRs. I have three of them who are about 17 weeks old. They're pretty quiet, I think (we have 25 birds and its slightly difficult to pick out who is making what noise). I also have five EEs who are quite nice. Every time I go out to the yard the BRs are the first to run up to me, followed by the EEs and the Orpingtons. Have you thought about Orps at all? While all of my birds are friendly, these guys are definitely the most docile (aside from the Silkies). I don't know if I could choose just one . . . How about one of each?!

Good luck!