Maylays are by far the most aggressive and protective, the hens can be aggressive too when threatened. I have had them for years now but these birds aren't for a newbee, they are for experienced game bird handlers. They are very large and tall, and they will attack YOU to if perceived as a threat, some perceive everything a threat. They love to fight, they look forward to it so an opportunity to go at a threat just makes their day. Get them as chicks and spend time with them and pet them often, this will decrease aggression towards you somewhat. Some birds are just more aggressive than others.
Keep in mind a full grown Maylay can easily stand over 3' tall and the hens aren't much smaller. My "Khalil" is the largest and the dominant Maylay roo, he is not as trigger happy like most he is 2.5 years old, he stands 35" and weighs approx. 20 lbs. last time I dared to get a hold on him about 9 months ago. I haven't weighed him in a while, I have to be ready for battle and separate him from the others to do so. If one Maylay roo attacks, they all attack at the same time.They can fly short distances and typically prefer to take to a flying attack position so beware!
DO NOT LET THEM AROUND CHILDREN OR SMALL PETS, THEY ARE CAPABLE OF INFLICTING SERIOUS WOUNDS! THEY FLY AT YOUR ANKLES AND FACE !!!
They are OK in a mixed flock if raised with them from chicks. Older hens can be introduced to an established flock but NOT A JUVENILE OR ADULT ROO, I recc. only one Maylay roo unless you have a lot of hens, at least 8:1. If you ever segregate him from the others you will never be able to put him in mixed company again. If you do, he will demand dominance and attack the other roos, he will be relentless, and can easily kill a weaker smaller roo. The only roo my Maylays don't mess with is my huge Jersey Giant name "Big Al". I think his 28" tall 22 lb. frame demands their respect.
But I have seen my Maylay roo's attack hawks and an owl once, the intruders quickly retreat. A raccoon got in the pen once and the Maylays attacked as a group/pack. The raccoon seriously injured 2 of the roos but the gang up was too much for him and he retreated.
If you let them free range they prefer to hunt for field mice, rats, lizards etc.
Maylays are impressive looking, they have a Jurassic appearance, stand very erect and are always on guard. They aren't good layers and the eggs are small and light brown in color. As for meat, not good, we found that out after the raccoon attack. Due to their athletic build and high energy behavior the meat is stringy and tough, so they are best for ornamental purposes. If you are going to have them as pet keep the spurs filed down and blunt.
The next most protective bird I have is my Golden Appenzeller Spitzhaben roos. They are half the size of the Maylays but defend the flock fearlessly. They go at the Maylays at the fence from time to time, I guess just for practice. They know Khalil or one of the others are could easily give them a beat down. If you have kids or you are a small person they are a good option. The hens lay well, meat is good, less hazardous and less trigger happy.
