How would you describe the personality of a Delaware hen?

[Country Heart]

I am looking to add a Delaware to my micro-flock in the spring and would like some insight into their personality so, I'm asking...

How would you describe the personality of a Delaware hen?

 

[TimG]

I'd describe my Delaware hen as having very little personality. She's neither especially shy nor friendly, not particularly curious, and not prone to hiding her eggs someplace other than the laying boxes.

I have one Delaware pullet that I added to my laying flock at the some time that I added a Delaware cockerel (they are the same age) which is my only male chicken. This pullet is smaller than the rest of my hens and very shy with the other hens, she sticks close to her man.

 

[HBuehler]

mine are very friendly talkative-not loud.They are investigative a bit nosy-want to see what your doing or holding.Also usually found under one of my kids arms half asleep...Better there than tripping over them and stepping on their toes by accident

They are low on the pecking order but here my Buff Rock rules her Kingdom with no help.

 

[PeeperKeeper]

I have to agree with TimG. I have 4 in my flock of 40 and other then their featheration do not stand out as having much personality. And the feather legged Brahman that looks like them is more standoffish then anything else in the flock.

 

[Country Heart]

Quote:
This sounds a lot like my current flock - always talking amongst themselves about something or other.

 

[delawaregirl09]

Country Heart, take a look at our thread, Show Off Your Delawares. All birds are not alike. If you handle them and love on them, they can be very sweet and loving. Some birds are, some birds are not. They are no different, really, than any other. I recommend them because they are beautiful, out-going, and very hardy in all conditions.

 

[walkswithdog]

LOL Curious, friendly pains-in----. If I'm working in the pens - try keeping one or several from helping or looking for a ride. They are intelligent enough to find ways to the scratch even when you think they can't get there. They're killer foragers and suprisingly predator savvy and tough. Despite their toughness they are fairly tolerant of other birds with chicks, the guineas and the turkeys.

They lay well and daily, sing a nice loud egg song. They don't fight often. The roos are tough on hens. But you were talking hen. With handling they're terrific, bright, friendly, silly, in your face birds that I occassionally have to wade through like molasses. They peck HARD when investigating skin issues and things on your jeans. Never go into a Delaware yard without good jeans and long sleeves or you'll leave bruised.

That same peck is what makes them some awesome critter killers, small snakes and lizards, small rats and mice, frogs and toads are all just Delaware food. And that's useful.

I love them more than I ever thought I would. Even the little hatchery hens have tons of personality.

 

[speckledhen]

The first ones I had, chicks from a pair of McMurray birds, were the worst chicks I'd ever had--flighty, even vicious. I called them the Vampire Chicks after the four of them plucked every back feather and some tail feathers off seven of the Speckled Sussex chicks in their grow-out coop in the course of two hours one afternoon. Sold all four, even the pullets. Swore off the breed. Even the parent pair were culled later for aggression.

Last year, seriousbill talked me into doing a fertility test for her cockerel she was growing out. She'll tell you that I was very hesitant at first, but she promised these would be different. They were very different. They are the most curious, friendly, in-your-face babies and they grow up to be very friendly, inquisitive adults, too. Mine have tons of personality. A couple want to be picked up. My rooster likes a chest scratch every day. I hatched some last year and this year, this year's were from different birds of hers, and both batches were terrific. One of the girls, Maxie, is one I call "Mouth of the South", but the others are fairly quiet. Terrific foragers and great layers.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

I have nine Delaware pullets (and fifteen cockerels!) that I got from Sandhill back in May. Thus far I'm quite pleased with them. No aggression from the boys, the girls aren't wild and panicky nor excessively noisy. If I walk up to them several of the pullets will squat for me. One used to run up to me, peck on my boot, then squat. About as clear a message as one could ask for.

Personality is bird specific with the breed playing a lesser role if you ask me.

.....Alan.

 

[Country Heart]

...
Personality is bird specific with the breed playing a lesser role if you ask me.

.....Alan.

That makes sense. I'm hoping to raise them from day olds, so hopefully that will allow me to have more of an impact on how they feel about being around people.​