Do chickens temperaments stay true to their breed?

[clareg10]

Hi,

I'm new to this board having unexpectedly aquired a couple of chickens last week! I've been reading up on the supposed characteristics of my hens. Do you find that your chicken's temperament stays true to what it is meant to be for the breed? Or does it vary from chicken to chicken?

Thanks

Clare

 

[Judy]

What you read about a breed is a tendency, and yes, they are definitely individuals. It also has a lot to do with whether you have hatchery or breeder birds. Hatchery birds tend to have some cross breeding in their backgrounds.

I had some hatchery Kraienkoppes who were all the gentle, friendly, broody hens they were described as. I have some black Australorps who are all different in personality. I had a couple of batches of buff Orpingtons who also varied a lot in personality. Production Reds tend to be mean, they say, but mine were and are friendly. And so forth.