One Chick Two
Songster
- Jun 13, 2013
- 1,067
- 248
- 206
Here's my two cents, for all it's worth...
We have 83 Production Reds (RIR hybrid) that we raised as day old chicks... many people don't like hatchery roos, but out of this group, we had 16 roos. Every single one of them are docile, friendly and very sweet boys. Seriously, none to this point have ever turned on us, or, been mean, even with us handling them since day one.
We are always calm around all our birds, talk to them, spend time with them, and I let the older roos come to me when they want attention, or to be held- and some still like to be held every day. The rule is, always to make sure they are calm when they are put back down. If anyone gets wound up, I just whisper "SHHHH..." and they always stop to listen and instantly calm down. My three absolute favorite top birds are roos, even over the hens. They are so gentle when pecking treats out of my hand. Even though they are far from purebreds, I think they are very pretty.
I am glad that we trained them to trust us as the day before Xmas eve, one of our cockerels became blinded in a vicious raven attack. After running away, he let me catch him and hold him quietly while he moaned, with his head lying against my shoulder. If he was half wild he may have been nearly impossible to treat right away!
Our OEGB hens were POL pullets when we got them. The bantams became tame, and super friendly within one week. They are even more cuddly then any of the others. The OEGB roo is a bit standoffish, but not unfriendly at all. He was great when they were small, and even now gets along great with all the other roos with minor differences occasionally. He is the top chicken, even though he is so tiny and only weighs maybe one lb. lol
FBCM Marans are very docile, very friendly, mellow and gorgeous, large, solid dual purpose birds with a pretty dark egg- these are SUPER sweet roos who have a loud, distinct crow, but do not crow as much as P RIR. These are wonderful birds and can't recommend them enough.
Okay... the Partridge Cochin cockerel is very pretty (and round)- like the Marans, but my least favorite of all the chickens, but he's completely docile once you catch him. Great forager. Shy, not sociable, last bird on the pecking order even though he's the biggest, but not mean at all. Takes forever to feather in. Honestly, not sure I'd want another... just my thoughts... Good luck!
Good luck!!!
We have 83 Production Reds (RIR hybrid) that we raised as day old chicks... many people don't like hatchery roos, but out of this group, we had 16 roos. Every single one of them are docile, friendly and very sweet boys. Seriously, none to this point have ever turned on us, or, been mean, even with us handling them since day one.
We are always calm around all our birds, talk to them, spend time with them, and I let the older roos come to me when they want attention, or to be held- and some still like to be held every day. The rule is, always to make sure they are calm when they are put back down. If anyone gets wound up, I just whisper "SHHHH..." and they always stop to listen and instantly calm down. My three absolute favorite top birds are roos, even over the hens. They are so gentle when pecking treats out of my hand. Even though they are far from purebreds, I think they are very pretty.
I am glad that we trained them to trust us as the day before Xmas eve, one of our cockerels became blinded in a vicious raven attack. After running away, he let me catch him and hold him quietly while he moaned, with his head lying against my shoulder. If he was half wild he may have been nearly impossible to treat right away!
Our OEGB hens were POL pullets when we got them. The bantams became tame, and super friendly within one week. They are even more cuddly then any of the others. The OEGB roo is a bit standoffish, but not unfriendly at all. He was great when they were small, and even now gets along great with all the other roos with minor differences occasionally. He is the top chicken, even though he is so tiny and only weighs maybe one lb. lol
FBCM Marans are very docile, very friendly, mellow and gorgeous, large, solid dual purpose birds with a pretty dark egg- these are SUPER sweet roos who have a loud, distinct crow, but do not crow as much as P RIR. These are wonderful birds and can't recommend them enough.
Okay... the Partridge Cochin cockerel is very pretty (and round)- like the Marans, but my least favorite of all the chickens, but he's completely docile once you catch him. Great forager. Shy, not sociable, last bird on the pecking order even though he's the biggest, but not mean at all. Takes forever to feather in. Honestly, not sure I'd want another... just my thoughts... Good luck!
Good luck!!!
