If you could keep only one...

[mockcherry]

Not entirely sure where to post this, but I have been given the go ahead to keep one roo. The other cockerels are going to other homes tomorrow. I've narrowed it down based on temperament and niceness of these 7 week olds. I'm trying to decide between a white easter egger, a dark brahma, and a black australorp. So assuming all temperaments are equal now, which one would you pick? It's so hard. He's not for breeding. More from the aspect of keep the hens in line and to be a general lookout for the girls. the girls are brahmas, ee, australorps, and sussex.

 

[Olive Hill]

If you're not keeping him for breeding his breed is of little consequence. Which, of the three you've selected, are the hens in your flock most responsive to? That's the one you keep.

 

[mockcherry]

Um, what do you mean responsive? One they dote on? Move away for? Perk up their tales? Sit in a corner, gossip and giggle over? Lay with? I know there are a few of the boys that always seem to have girls snuggling with them at night.

 

[Illia]

I would choose the Brahma. The others are more prone to weird behaviors or aggressiveness in the future, especially the Easter Egger. I've never known a Brahma with a mean bone in its body, and they're wonderful, huge, fluffy chickens! They're also very alert and defensive if need be, but absolutely docile otherwords.

 

[Olive Hill]

Quote:
All of the above. Hens respect a good rooster enough to move out of his way if he needs to get through, but feel comfortable enough cuddling up beside him at night, too. He's never a bully, but is in charge.

 

[InsaneBreeder]

Just based on breed and temperament, I'd choose the brahma.

 

[crazyhen]

Pick one on size. I have a large sweet roo but he is too big and breaks the feathers on the backs of the smaller hens. I would chose one that is not to big for your EE's. Gloria Jean

 

[cook_kaka_ook]

If not for breeding, choose the one that has the best sounding crow to your ears. You'll be hearing it every morning everyday.
Goodluck!

 

[gritsar]

Definitely the dark brahma. He may not look like much right now, but this is what he should look like full grown:

Pictures really don't do my Thor justice. In the sunlight, his wing tips are purple and his tailfeathers are irridescent green.
ETA: By the way I have an accidental bantam brahma hen in my flock and Thor is just as gentle with her as he is with the girls that are more his size.