I've raised RIR for many years. They are a strong bird and sometime aggressive. But that may be just my girls. They eat a lot. I have one girl that's over 10 years old. I can't cull my older girls, for me it's like culling your dog. Right now I have 9 RIR, 6 Plymouth barred rocks, 1 New Hampshire red, 1 Buff Orpington, Golden Comets. Have fun.... enjoy and I have not had a rooster in years. Your girls will be more friendly to you with out one.