Best Rooster breed?

[Wolfefarmyard]

Hello!

So unfortunately my beloved blue Ameraucana rooster was killed by a dog. He died protecting his girls and was an amazing boy. I am not looking to replace him as I know that's not possible. But my girls are now left bewildered without a rooster to bring them in and out of the coop everyday. Plus, I love roosters and personally prefer to always have one in my flocks.

I'm thinking of ordering a few more girls and a new boy this spring. I'm wondering what breed I should get. I'm looking for a breed that's know to be a great protector but not overly aggressive towards people and a good fertility rate (Since I looked into Shamos and realized they have a fertility rate of only about 40- 50%.) I know that it ultimately comes down to the individual bird himself and his personality but I'm really just looking for some good suggestions. I would be extremely lucky if I get a bird that has a personality anything like Blue's was since I know it's unlikely. I've had various different roosters over the years and I'd say 40% of them were people aggressive so I know there's a good chance that it will. But again I'm just wondering if anyone has any breed suggestions that are "known" to have the qualities I'm looking for. Thanks!

 

[GrannyHeeney]

My daughter has a pet Barnevelder that lives in the house with her and she says he's the sweetest thing ever. He's a big feller, and he's never been around any ladies, but everyone around goes to spend cuddle time with him.

 

[Amer]

Buckeyes are great. Not aggressive, and they keep the peace. If they don't, their edible, but is understandable if you don't want to eat it.

 

[DobieLover]

Have you considered getting a cockerel that someone has already started? That way, you will know if he is gentle with the pullets and non-aggressive. People are constantly rehoming their extra friendly cockerels that need a flock of their own because the flock they were born into already has a rooster.
The extra unfriendly boys usually find themselves in the freezer.

 

[Wolfefarmyard]

Have you considered getting a cockerel that someone has already started? That way, you will know if he is gentle with the pullets and non-aggressive. People are constantly rehoming their extra friendly cockerels that need a flock of their own because the flock they were born into already has a rooster.
The extra unfriendly boys usually find themselves in the freezer.

I have, but I like to get my birds from clean closed flocks or even NPIP certified.

 

[mixedbreeds]

I don’t know if we both got lucky or what but I have a black ameraucana and no people aggression at all and the hens don’t have a feather out of place from him.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Sorry for you loss.

The black Copper Marans are my favorite, hands down... out of the breeds I have raised. I do tend to like the Ameraucana boys to... but think I would go with something different just because like you said you aren't trying to replace him and it seems like it would create extra comparison issue for ME.

Overall least favorite as a breed (some individuals were great)... probably Silkies.

To me aggression is individual... and roosters not kept around females cannot be used as a baseline.

Speckled Sussex.. don't seem bad thus far and they are beautiful.

What kind of gals ya thinking about adding? Since fertility is important to you, will you be eating offspring? Does sires egg color or laying volume factor into your next generation or will you order from another source again instead of worrying about future genetics?

Good luck with a decision... you might order several and keep the one that really works out, since it truly is a craps shoot with attitude.

 

[Wolfefarmyard]

Sorry for you loss.

The black Copper Marans are my favorite, hands down... out of the breeds I have raised. I do tend to like the Ameraucana boys to... but think I would go with something different just because like you said you aren't trying to replace him and it seems like it would create extra comparison issue for ME.

Overall least favorite as a breed (some individuals were great)... probably Silkies.

To me aggression is individual... and roosters not kept around females cannot be used as a baseline.

Speckled Sussex.. don't seem bad thus far and they are beautiful.

What kind of gals ya thinking about adding? Since fertility is important to you, will you be eating offspring? Does sires egg color or laying volume factor into your next generation or will you order from another source again instead of worrying about future genetics?

Good luck with a decision... you might order several and keep the one that really works out, since it truly is a craps shoot with attitude.

Thank you, that’s very helpful!

I actually have a few silkie roosters already, but they’re breeders in my silkie flock of course which are separated. I wouldn’t use one with my laying flock either

As for what girls I’m going to add, I think I’ll get a mix of good layers like welsummers, leghorns, buff Orpingtons ect. I don’t eat any of my birds but I do love their eggs. So I’d want a boy that’s a good laying breed, but the egg color doesn’t really matter to me.

 

[Clubber1234]

Hello!

So unfortunately my beloved blue Ameraucana rooster was killed by a dog. He died protecting his girls and was an amazing boy. I am not looking to replace him as I know that's not possible. But my girls are now left bewildered without a rooster to bring them in and out of the coop everyday. Plus, I love roosters and personally prefer to always have one in my flocks.

I'm thinking of ordering a few more girls and a new boy this spring. I'm wondering what breed I should get. I'm looking for a breed that's know to be a great protector but not overly aggressive towards people and a good fertility rate (Since I looked into Shamos and realized they have a fertility rate of only about 40- 50%.) I know that it ultimately comes down to the individual bird himself and his personality but I'm really just looking for some good suggestions. I would be extremely lucky if I get a bird that has a personality anything like Blue's was since I know it's unlikely. I've had various different roosters over the years and I'd say 40% of them were people aggressive so I know there's a good chance that it will. But again I'm just wondering if anyone has any breed suggestions that are "known" to have the qualities I'm looking for. Thanks!

Maybe a buff Orpington.

 

[gunslinger33]

Merry Christmas

I have both Bielefelder and Orpington roosters. Both of mine are non aggressive and very alert.

My questions would be:

Is climate an issue - very hot or very cold

Are you looking for less vocal , might not matter

Are you lookin g for egg color

Are you looking to add size

Are you looking to add egg size

Are you wanting something different or rare