In my limited experience, it seems to me that some breeds have certain traits that carry from bird to bird. Yet, even with those traits, their personalities can be very different.
I have two Barred Rock hens that are two years old. As compared to my black and red sex links, Easter Egger, Buff Orp, and Delaware - the Barred Rocks were the most curious of the mixed flock. Something new and the Barred Rocks were right on it while the others hung back. They also watched us, would stand and observe what we were doing. I often joke and say that if the Barred Rocks had thumbs they could probably drive our cars. You can see them thinking! This business of being curious and attentive was true for both Barred Rocks yet their personalities were different. One was very talkative and friendly. The other more hesitant with personal interaction and not talkative at all.
Two years later and I've just purchased 6 more chicks. They're a little over a week old and 3 of the 6 are Barred Rocks. Yep, just like the first set, they're the most inquisitive of the bunch. I put something new in the brooder, 3 chicks run and hide but the 3 Barred Rocks are busy finding out what's going on. They've also been trying to fly since Day #1!
Don't know if this makes any sense or is very clear but each bird seems to have its own personality no matter what the breed is yet there are some breed traits that seem to be the same.
BTW, the talkative and friendly Barred Rock has climbed over the rest of my birds and is now my lead hen. I'm not surprised at all.
I have two Barred Rock hens that are two years old. As compared to my black and red sex links, Easter Egger, Buff Orp, and Delaware - the Barred Rocks were the most curious of the mixed flock. Something new and the Barred Rocks were right on it while the others hung back. They also watched us, would stand and observe what we were doing. I often joke and say that if the Barred Rocks had thumbs they could probably drive our cars. You can see them thinking! This business of being curious and attentive was true for both Barred Rocks yet their personalities were different. One was very talkative and friendly. The other more hesitant with personal interaction and not talkative at all.
Two years later and I've just purchased 6 more chicks. They're a little over a week old and 3 of the 6 are Barred Rocks. Yep, just like the first set, they're the most inquisitive of the bunch. I put something new in the brooder, 3 chicks run and hide but the 3 Barred Rocks are busy finding out what's going on. They've also been trying to fly since Day #1!
Don't know if this makes any sense or is very clear but each bird seems to have its own personality no matter what the breed is yet there are some breed traits that seem to be the same.
BTW, the talkative and friendly Barred Rock has climbed over the rest of my birds and is now my lead hen. I'm not surprised at all.
