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They have to molt before they get their true coloring, so yes. It can take over a year to be mature. They tolerate confinement but prefer to be where they can run around and forage. They are VERY good foragers! Mine are not quiet, especially when they want out of their runs to play in the yard. I find them very talkative and when agitated DH thinks they sound like geese. They do fly well, and enjoy it.
The hens are especially friendly and will come to visit with you when they're done foraging.
Most cocks are less aggressive, but they can still be a bit snapish at times, especially if they think you're messing with their girls. They are also quite alert, and I've never had mine miss a threat. They have a warning call for hawks that's different than the one for dogs, and the one for me (lol). I've also heard mine relay the warning around the pens, so that even the ones that can't see the threat are making sure their gals are in hiding.
I let my 4 weeks old babes play in the yard yesterday, and they had a blast. DH was able to walk over and pick them up to talk to them, and some ran over to have their turn getting attention. He never ever cares for them, so I guess he was a new audience for their antics. It was cute.
Yes, they can be very broody. I had all 3 millies in one pen go at the same time last year, and they took turns setting and then took turns mothering the chicks. It was adorable. I'm trying really hard to keep that from happening this year! It was almost 3 months before they laid another small, creamy white egg
I like to have quads, and that seems to work well for my coops and fertility.
