Need help with breeds!

[Shawna89]

I am starting a flock this spring of a single breed. I am stuck between Rhode Island Reds and Plymouth Rocks. From what I have read the rocks are more gentle and friendly. Is there any other large breed birds that are known to be docile? This is the most important aspect of my new flock. I want to promote backyard chickens in my area and I would like to raise a very calm, docile breed!

 

[jhamblin]

I am also getting my chicks this spring and I chose Rocks And Wyandottes, I had those breeds growing up and they were always friendly, The Rhode Island rooster that my parents had on the other hand would attack us all the time, so my dad had to get rid of him.

 

[lucky123]

It could really depend on hatchery or breeder quality birds. I have both, and had a couple of aggressive hatchery birds. I have a heritage rir cockeral who comes running to me when I come outside and follows me around.

 

[ShooterG22]

I have Barred Rocks, SL Wyandottes, black Australorps, a New Hampshire and a red sex link. None of them were pets before I got them and they were all free range. The BR seem to be the most docile and settled easiest. The SLW are a little more excitable and freak if I reach towards them. They also tend to be noisier. The RSL isn't too bad but doesn't like to be touched at all. She will eat out of my hand as long as its on her terms. The NH is not afraid and will chase you down if she thinks you have food. Can't touch her either but she is a tad on the testy side and will peck you if she is in a mood. So, having said all of that, I just got 3 Amber Whites today that were backyard hens but not really messed with either. These are a light buff color and are a Rhode Island Red/Rhode Island White cross from Dunlap Hatchery in Caldwell, ID. They are quiet, calm, very soft feathered and don't mind being pet. I picked them up, pet them in the coop and hand fed them right away. Very calm birds and I was surprised to hear that the previous owners did not do that with them.

 

[Casagraves]

We are starting a new flock this Spring with Plymouth Rock's. Folks in our area highly recommend them for beginners, and we are truly that!!! Good luck to you, and your flock!!!

 

[Illia]

In hatchery stock, which is very likely what you're going to end up with, - Rocks are better than Reds.

But in true good stock that matches the breed description and standard - It's up to you. Rocks are bigger but both are much bigger than hatchery stock, much more reliably friendly than hatchery stock, but both likely lay less in their first two years but more in their next several.

As for other "large" breeds, anything is about the same. Any common or popular hatchery-based breed/color is going to be a good layer and have a decent temperament in hens, a varied temperament in roosters. As for good stock, not from hatcheries or from breeders who got their stuff from hatcheries - They'll always be bigger, they'll very likely be friendlier in both genders, and generally prettier but won't lay as well for their first couple years.

 

[Robert Blosl]

If you are getting chicks from the feed store or a hatchery do not get production reds. The males are normaly mean as snakes. The rocks are or should be more docile. If you get the Heritage Rhode Island Reds which do not have leghorn blood in them from years ago then they will be very very very docile. I have never seen or heard of a person who had the old fasion dark Rhode Island Reds have a bird spike them or thier children. Just a thought when picking birds up at the feed store or from a catalog this year. bob

 

[billiejo21]

I always promote LF cochins! Super docile, beautiful birds!!!!! I know they aren't like production reds, as far as laying...but they are quiet birds and my roos don't crow!!!

 

[Steve234]

LF Cochins are a safe bet.

 

[Shawna89]

I acually went with orpingtons and sussex! I loved the rocks but there were too many pretty colors to choose from!