They vary greatly depending on the strain. Ours are like yours, nice-tempered, great foragers, great layers and good all-around. But I've read plenty of posts from others with different experiences. Where did you get yours? I kind of try to keep track of who's selling the ones people like.
You have what Delawares are supposed to be. I had the Vempire Chicks, as I used to call them, two pullets and two cockerels I had to remove from the nursery coop after they injured 8 other chicks. They'd bite me, too, even at four weeks old, HARD. One cockerel was especially aggressive. I came to believe, after hearing some similar stories, that some hatchery had gotten ahold of an aggressive strain. I am getting some real heritage Delawares from a breeder I know (hi, Janet) next month and hope to finally have the REAL Delawares.
Yes, I think they will do better for you. I don't necessarily think they'll be as cuddly as your Barred Rocks, but they are guaranteed not to turn into bats when the moon rises
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I got mine from a heritage breed hobbyist in northern Michigan, I can get you his phone number and name if you want it. They are actually separate from the others because they are just picked on all the time.