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That is the problem with some hatchery Dels, but generally, Delawares are "mouthy". Some will bite and twist if they want attention. As chicks, they explore everything with their beaks and you can break them as youngsters, usually. My first Dels were hatched here from McMurray hatchery pair owned by a friend. They were horrible, mean, flighty birds. I sold even the pullets at about 8 weeks old. Hated them. Had to be talked into them again by a breeder friend.
These Delawares I have now are so different. They are not aggressive at all, just attention seekers. Georgie insists on being picked up when she wants it. Ellie only occasionally wants it and will scratch your pants legs with her feet. I had a few others, but sold them and just kept my two largest hens. They both lay large to jumbo eggs and are very good layers. My rooster is a real love. I test him daily, scratching his chest, rubbing his wattles, bending down into his face. He's sweet as the day is long. Couldn't ask for a better tempered boy. They are motivated breeders, though, and can handle quite a few girls. I don't want to breed Delawares and keep toying with the idea of rehoming Isaac, but dang, I would miss that boy so darn much! I have an up and coming Barred Rock male I want to breed and hope Isaac will tolerate him in the flock when he gets up in age, but I have my doubts about that. Ike doesn't care for the Barred Rock girls anyway so I bet he won't be happy with the BR boy in there.
That is the problem with some hatchery Dels, but generally, Delawares are "mouthy". Some will bite and twist if they want attention. As chicks, they explore everything with their beaks and you can break them as youngsters, usually. My first Dels were hatched here from McMurray hatchery pair owned by a friend. They were horrible, mean, flighty birds. I sold even the pullets at about 8 weeks old. Hated them. Had to be talked into them again by a breeder friend.
These Delawares I have now are so different. They are not aggressive at all, just attention seekers. Georgie insists on being picked up when she wants it. Ellie only occasionally wants it and will scratch your pants legs with her feet. I had a few others, but sold them and just kept my two largest hens. They both lay large to jumbo eggs and are very good layers. My rooster is a real love. I test him daily, scratching his chest, rubbing his wattles, bending down into his face. He's sweet as the day is long. Couldn't ask for a better tempered boy. They are motivated breeders, though, and can handle quite a few girls. I don't want to breed Delawares and keep toying with the idea of rehoming Isaac, but dang, I would miss that boy so darn much! I have an up and coming Barred Rock male I want to breed and hope Isaac will tolerate him in the flock when he gets up in age, but I have my doubts about that. Ike doesn't care for the Barred Rock girls anyway so I bet he won't be happy with the BR boy in there.
