Yes, as RHRanch said, traits like aggressiveness are passed on to offspring, even in reptiles. Nurture will play a part, but I believe at it's core, it's almost completely genetic. Why else are almost all faverolles the sweetest, most picked on birds in the flock - while almost all RIR in circulation are sweet with humans but highly aggressive toward other birds? Can't be a coincidence or that they were all raised the same way.
Now, I'm sure nurture plays a role, as I've said. I'm fairly certain I ruined my first chicken - a Buff orp rooster - by keeping him alone from the age of 4 months to about 9 months old. I was young, I was new to chickens, I was ignorant. I'm pretty sure that's why one day he attacked while I had my back turned and every hen I ever bought him screamed/ran when he looked in their general direction. But I've met some really nice buff orp roos and hens; in fact, I've never met another mean one.
Always breed for the best. Besides, why take a chance with temperament when breeding? And isn't it nicer to have birds that love you and get along well?
Now, I'm sure nurture plays a role, as I've said. I'm fairly certain I ruined my first chicken - a Buff orp rooster - by keeping him alone from the age of 4 months to about 9 months old. I was young, I was new to chickens, I was ignorant. I'm pretty sure that's why one day he attacked while I had my back turned and every hen I ever bought him screamed/ran when he looked in their general direction. But I've met some really nice buff orp roos and hens; in fact, I've never met another mean one.
Always breed for the best. Besides, why take a chance with temperament when breeding? And isn't it nicer to have birds that love you and get along well?