Barred Rocks!!

[estamets]

I've been interested in barred rocks because I'm getting my first flock of 4 soon. It's gonna be a mixed flock with a black Australorp, light brahma, and buff orpington, but I hear barred rocks can be bossy... Is this true? I can't decide on the forth breed

A friend and I both have Rocks as our flock leaders. They are both fair, kind leaders - if that's possible for a chicken! Everyone knows they're boss, but they don't need to be aggressive to show it. This is a solid, dependable breed. They are friendly, can be chatty, good layers, and have a strong, chicken-y appearance in the yard.

 

[Jdc361]

A friend and I both have Rocks as our flock leaders.  They are both fair, kind leaders - if that's possible for a chicken!  Everyone knows they're boss, but they don't need to be aggressive to show it.  This is a solid, dependable breed.  They are friendly, can be chatty, good layers, and have a strong, chicken-y appearance in the yard.  

Well considering All the other birds are extremely docile, it doesn't look like this is the bird for me

 

[estamets]

Well considering All the other birds are extremely docile, it doesn't look like this is the bird for me

My flock is mostly docile breeds (how the heck did I end up with a leghorn), and my Rock isn't aggressive towards them at all. You're going to get displays of dominance no matter what birds you put together, of course. But it sounds like you already made up your mind. Which breed are you choosing for your 4th?

 

[Jdc361]

My flock is mostly docile breeds (how the heck did I end up with a leghorn), and my Rock isn't aggressive towards them at all. You're going to get displays of dominance no matter what birds you put together, of course. But it sounds like you already made up your mind. Which breed are you choosing for your 4th?

Probably a NHR

 

[estamets]

Probably a NHR

Interesting! I wouldn't peg that as a docile breed, but I've never had them.

 

[Jdc361]

Interesting! I wouldn't peg that as a docile breed, but I've never had them.

well I hear they are docile and I'm also thinking about a welsummer

 

[estamets]

well I hear they are docile and I'm also thinking about a welsummer

My Wellie is more aggressive than my Rock! In any case, it's fun to put together a mixed flock, and you never know what personalities you'll get from individuals in the breed. Have fun!

 

[Jdc361]

My Wellie is more aggressive than my Rock! In any case, it's fun to put together a mixed flock, and you never know what personalities you'll get from individuals in the breed. Have fun!

Oh wow! Well maybe I'll get a NHR and a Barred rock!

 

[estamets]

Oh wow! Well maybe I'll get a NHR and a Barred rock!

 

[DesertChic]

I've been interested in barred rocks because I'm getting my first flock of 4 soon. It's gonna be a mixed flock with a black Australorp, light brahma, and buff orpington, but I hear barred rocks can be bossy... Is this true? I can't decide on the forth breed

Neither of my BR girls have been aggressive at all...not even with my small, lone Silkie pullet. In fact, one of the BR pullets is so sweet and kind that she and my Silkie have become best friends. My other BR is the queen of the roost, but has only been assertive, NEVER aggressive. She established her dominance as a two-day old chick by squawking loudly at the other chicks, sending them all running to the opposite end of the brooder while she ate peacefully alone. I've watched her run interference between two fighting cockerels, and maneuver to protect the "weaker" pullets from bigger, stronger ones. She's incredibly fair and calm when dealing with pecking order, etc. and has been wonderfully friendly and affectionate with me The three breeds I have in that flock are the BRs, four Australorps that are two weeks older than the BRs, and the Silkies (one pullet and two cockerels). I would highly recommend the addition of the BR.

Plus, my BR girls started laying at 18 weeks while the rest of the girls didn't reach POL until about 24 weeks.