Ideal Rooster

[Trevor S]

I currently have three hens, and I'm looking to add either 2 more hens or a hen and a rooster. What are the ideal rooster breeds for mild temperament? Also, are there any that are less vocal than others? Thanks!

 

[DaviJones]

I've heard of a rooster to hen ratio of 1:10 to avoid over mating and such, but I've heard of smaller ratios so I suppose it'd be possible. I don't know about breeds, but I'd recommend getting a rooster instead of a cockerel, as Cockrell can be a bit obnoxious. A crow collar could help if crowing is an issue.

But then again I'm not even allowed to keep roosters so I'm probably not the most reliable source, I'm just spurting what I've seen on the forums

 

[17 chickens]

I have had the most friendly Orpington rooster ever, He was a Lavender Orpington! I have also had a Rhode Island Red rooster who was just as friendly too... I have had problems with bantam roosters due to the little man attitude! My advice would be to go with a breed that is docile in nature and you should be ok.

 

[DaviJones]

I second Orpingtons, incredibly sweet breed. I handled mine quite often(the promise of a treat never hurt either) and now I have one that comes to me whenever I walk to the coop.

 

[ChickenHermit]

Orphingtons have always been the sweetest roos I've encountered, outside of some of the bantams- specifically D'Uccles and Japanese have always been incredibly sweet when I've had them.

I've actually had the most trouble with RIRs- when they're friendly, they're great, but when they aren't I've found them to be super mean! I've also found they seem more likely to be aggressive. For other standard breeds I've had, I've had mixed luck with barred rocks (usually calm, sometimes aggressive) and easter eggers (makes sense, as they're a mixed breed).

 

[ChickenHermit]

Also: I've heard a lot of people say silkies are sweet, but I've also occaisionally had problems with silkie roos. Not that it was terrifically intimidating- kind of like being attacked by a fluffy throw pillow- but still. That being said, my best roo ever is a silkie, so...

 

[Vivid Hatchery]

The bird in our profile pic is a lavender orpington hen. I saw your post out of the corner of my eye and thought I might have some good advice to give. I think the same as what everyone else here has said, Orpingtons are great birds. They are great, because they are big, and not really overactive. That is common in bird types. However, every one has their own unique personality. I have barnevelders that are fair mannered. But I feel my Orust roosters are more mild mannered than the barnevelders, and they are a smaller breed, so size does not always equate to kindness.

If you go to a local farm store, you could probably ask them to keep their eye out for a orpington rooster that gets brought back, and you could get it for free. Or buy a buff orpington cockerel for pretty close to free IFA gets them all the time, I am not sure if you are by there. If you are going to buy an adult bird it is often advised to buy from someone who is NPIP certified, that way you can have a better idea that it won't get your existing flock sick. So it is advisable to do that if you get an adult so you are not rolling your dice with disease. Take note to look up biosecurity measures on introducing new members to your flock. Chickens are pretty hardy animals, but it is easier to play it safe than to worry about containing a problem after the fact.

Tennessee and Utah are a distance away, but we have some roosters we are trying to get rid of. So cost of transportation would be a factor, and they are pricier birds. But we have two types of mature Orpingtons, Isabel and Lavender.

Rooster collars are effective, I know from experience. It takes some time, and it does not silence completely. I would not waste your money buying one, instead just buy about a foot of 1-1 1/2 inch velcro, and follow directions from DIYers online. Just make sure they can breathe. A good rule of thumb is if you can fit your pinky through, it will be good, but I always stay for a while afterwards to make sure they will be alright.

 

[MissNutmeg]

I believe Orpington roosters are the best breed for having a mild temperament although every guy is different.

 

[17 chickens]

I lost my Lavender Orpington rooster yesterday do to a attack from an eagle, He was big and the sweetest guy ever. His name was Barney and every time you said his name he would come running to see you. He took food out of our hands really soft and sweet. He would sit in the same spot on the roost in the coop and let you pet him good night when we closed up the coops for the night.
I agree about NPIP for safety reasons! The best thing to do with roosters is they need to trust you and let them come to you! Take it slow!!

 

[4 ever Orpington]

I have had the most friendly Orpington rooster ever, He was a Lavender Orpington! I have also had a Rhode Island Red rooster who was just as friendly too... I have had problems with bantam roosters due to the little man attitude! My advice would be to go with a breed that is docile in nature and you should be ok.

I have a 8 lbs. Buff Orpington rooster big love bug. Love’s everything except anything that threatens his girls.