Most docile large breed rooster?

[asher]

I am preparing to start a small flock (6 or so). It has been many years since I had chickens and those were always specialty breeds and almost always show quality bantams. I am doing it for different reasons this time and will be doing standard chickens.

I am curious what the best docile, multipurpose rooster would be. I am in Western NC so although we do have some colder Winters, I could do feather footed breeds. Was considering Orpington or Giant Cochin, but I am definitely open to other standard rooster suggestions that would be docile and less likely to be aggressive to people. ( will likely have a mix of hen breeds, but all will be standard, also.)

Thanks!

 

[nuthatched]

It's up to the individual bird, temperament is not breed specific.

 

[fluffycrow]

If you wait long enough, you’ll get every breed recommendation you can think of.

No one knows for sure how the male you get will turn out. Claims for an entire breed are also rarely accurate across the board. One poster will have the best experience with RIRs, the other found them to be demons.

Since you’ve had chickens from show breeders before (and possibly have been one yourself), I’m going to assume that this will be the route you’ll follow this time round. A responsibly bred line is going to be much more predictable when it comes to temperament than whatever the hatcheries produce. A breeder, unlike a company, would also be able to tell you personally what most of their boys are like in temperament and in behaviour. Of course, nurture is also said to play a big role. Since you’re quite experienced with chickens, I doubt there’s a reason to say much more about that. I’m sure your management will be quite good.
If you’re not necessarily looking for chicks, a rooster (so after 12-18 months old) that’s looking for a new home would be a great idea. At that point, his behaviour would be known, and you wouldn’t risk raising a rooster that torments his hens.

As far as breeds go, I think you’ve already mentioned some that are said to be incredibly docile. I have had no experience with them, but I don’t think you’d risk too much by purchasing one from a show breeder.
I would add Brahma to that list; even the worst of the hatchery stock aren’t nearly as aggressive as some other breeds we’ve seen on here. I’ve not had any pure Brahma males, but all the mixed males I have had have been excellent both around me, and with the hens. No guarantees from me though .

If you aren’t willing to accept anything less than the perfect boy, be prepared for the first male to need culling, no matter what breed you choose in the end

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Keeping in mind that everything that has been said above is 100% true, I am going to throw in my 2c worth. First let me say I've had to cull my share of monsters and I've had a couple of sweethearts of mixed breed. But right now I am the delighted owner of two amazing 8-month old black Aneraucana cockerels I got from Cackle hatchery last July and I could not be happier. I have a flock of 28 girls, some 2 to 3 yo and 15 the same age as the cockerels. They have been wonderful to the girls, to each other, to me and other human family members throughout their puberty to this day. I have never seen them fight or even "stand off" at each other. One cockerel will mildly chase the other a bit, but that's it. The dominant one shows the pullets where to lay, tidbits for them, keeps them together - they follow him like star-struck groupies, tbh. I've NEVER had such a solicitous rooster, and at his age, I'm floored. Keep in mind this is a purebred Ameraucana, NOT an "Americana" and I paid close to $30 for him at hatch. He was well worth it, IMO.