Choosing chickens?

[Bullitt]

I'd add Dominiques to the list. Active, great foragers, hilarious, very busy on important hen business, and quiet and calm despite being very active. We refer to ours as the Unite Clown here at the Cirque des Poulets because they are so funny and adorable. Eggs are a little on the small side compared to Barred Rocks or Black Star hybrids, but they make up for this with their curious personalities.

If a person's primary goal is eggs, what would be the advantage of a Dominique over a Barred Plymouth Rock?

Barred Plymouth Rocks lays an average of about 250 eggs a year.

Dominiques lay an average of about 220 eggs a year.

 

[The Yakima Kid]

If a person's primary goal is eggs, what would be the advantage of a Dominique over a Barred Plymouth Rock?

Barred Plymouth Rocks lays an average of about 250 eggs a year.

Dominiques lay an average of about 220 eggs a year.

There wouldn't be one.

I keep them because they are thrifty and have high entertainment value. Barred Rocks are the still the ultimate backyard bird for many situations because of the combination of temperament - quietness, calmness, curiosity and friendliness - and temperament.

 

[One Chick Two]

You never know what you're going to get In any breed. You may get those birds who are flightier, friendlier, aggressive, quieter, etc. It really is luck of the draw on characteristics on whatever breed you ultimately decide on.

However, I believe much of their disposition depends on environment as well, and bonding with your chicks when they are young. Earlier the better, handling and spending some quality time with them daily if you can. It really helps most chickens to be comfortable with you, and they will be easier to deal with when accidents, sicknesses or events that need quick attention arise.

We have 83 P RIR, 16 are roos and cockerels. Beautiful mutts, who give LOTS and lots of eggs. This is often considered a breed that can have slightly aggressive roos... But, really they are just a smart, active, high energy breed who express themselves a lot in vocalization, lol.

Our boys get along well- they were raised together and know what to expect. It's usually our older hens that get a bit ornery at moments. The roos are actually nice fellows. They often hang out together in groups of 3-5. Only one cockerel, Nipper, will occasionally nip my hand if I don't pay attention to him fast enough when he pulls on my pantlegs for attention. That said, he squats like a hen in my arms if I hold or pet him (shows he thinks I am dominant), and he closes his eyes and rests his head against my shoulder and makes soft whistley cooing sounds when he's petted, so he is not actually aggressive.

We're keeping a good eye on Nipper just in case he develops aggressive tendencies (or if any of the others decide to). So, with our experiences, I do recommend this breed as a friendly breed if you want lots of eggs.

Here's a photo of them at treat time when they were about 6 weeks old. They are still pretty friendly.