HELP, Choosing a Rooster for my barnyard flock???

[SilkieCRZYness]

I have White Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, Easter Eaggers, and Black Cochins. Out of that group, which breed offers the best, most attractive, most protective, and most viable to breed with all? THANKS

 

[chicken_boy_Kurt]

A leghorn rooster would be the only one that could catch a leghorn hen consistently but you don't want a leghorn roo (too flighty and mean). I've heard RIR roosters are mean but never had any experience with them. If you got an EE rooster you would probably get chick that lay green/blue eggs so that would be good. The cochin is great because there is virtually no (or a very small) chance of it getting mean. So I would say go with an EE or cochin.

 

[SilkieCRZYness]

Anyone else have any opinions on this?? thanks kurt, and i kind of wanted a larger rooster, im guessing the RIR would be the largest, how big does a EE get? i know leghorns are small

 

[Barnyard]

Well I am gonna have to say RIR. I have 2 roo's and they are awesome. 1 is a little more protective of his girls than the other, but they both do a awesome job of protective the whole flock. I have younger chicken's in separted pens and the RIR warns them also when he see's something. They are giving there warning's way before I ever see anything.


edited to say: 1 of my RIR roos is massive.....he is the biggest roo I have seen around here.

 

[Cuban Longtails]

I'd pick a Cochin out of the mix you had. My EE roos have all been aggressive with mating and will wear the feathers smooth off a hen's back and head. My hens do not like them at all. If your RIR are from breeder stock, then they probably would be okay. I prefer barred rock roosters.

My easter egger boys have all been close to the barred rock rooster's size, occassionally I'll have one who's more bulky than sleek.

 

[Sparrow]

I say go for the EE. I've had really good experiences with EE roos, the only negative I can say about them is that they are very amorous towards their hens. lol Never aggressive, though.

 

[Bec]

I would pick cochin. They are usually sweet and gentle, but then you will get your goods and bads with every breed. I know there is someone on here that has a nice leghorn roo. I chose a cochin for my main flock. He is still a baby so I don't know how he will be with the girls. He is a sweetie to me. He sits on my shoulder like a little parrot!! He lets the smaller babies cuddle with him. So far he is a big ball of sweetness!! I vote Cochin!!

BTW- My EE roo is a bit flighty, but I think it all depends on what the Ameraucana was crossed with.

 

[SilkieCRZYness]

well the last three comments have each been for different breeds, haha, gosh idk i like them all, i think im going to cancel out the cochin from this becuase hes the only feather footed bird. Either the RIR or EE, i will take pictures ton and have you guys decide if this EE i have is actaully a roo. thanks