Non aggressive roo, certain breeds?

[DreamsInPink]

I have been thinking and I have decided I want a rooster. But, I don't want to deal with a mean one if I can help it at all.

Are there any breeds that are considered more docile than others, when it comes to the roosters??... I think I read somewhere that the Barred Plymouth Rock rooster was fairly non aggressive. I know it will vary from roo to roo, but just generally speaking... I'd like to hear your opinions. Thank you!

 

[big medicine]

I have been thinking and I have decided I want a rooster. But, I don't want to deal with a mean one if I can help it at all.

Are there any breeds that are considered more docile than others, when it comes to the roosters??... I think I read somewhere that the Barred Plymouth Rock rooster was fairly non aggressive. I know it will vary from roo to roo, but just generally speaking... I'd like to hear your opinions. Thank you!

Man, I had a very nice piece I had found about aggressive behavior in kangaroos I was going to cut and paste. Then I see you are fairly new here, and a fellow Buckeye, so I'll dial it back.

Brahmas are very calm and docile birds, not to mention just real good looking.

But for future reference.

 

[DreamsInPink]

Well, I guess that's what I get for trying to use slang terms that I've seen lots of other people using....

But thank you for the consideration and dialing it back.... lol

I just can't use the word cockerel.... it just looks/sounds/seems weird.

Maybe with some practice...

So Brahma cockerels are one of the less aggressive breeds? Any others? I hadn't really looked at any Brahmas...

 

[donrae]

The giant and feather footed breeds are overall considered more docile birds. Since they've been bred to be more ornamental vs productive, they tend to be calmer. It's still a hit or miss thing, though. If you're new to chickens, I'd advise to have a hen only flock for a year or so, then decide if you want to add a rooster. They add an entirely different dynamic to flock management and it's usually best to have some experience before tackling them.

 

[Pork Pie]

From my experience, along with reading what other members feel, I'd say that all roos are individuals and that, combined with the way you as flock leader treat the roo has as much to do with their demeanour as anything else. I had no clue with my first roo and i (and he) paid the price. With my second roo, I made sure he knew his place and he was fine. I'd suggest reading up on how to interact with roos before getting one, that way you can be prepared to handle him.

All the best
CT

 

[QueenMisha]

I always crack up when I see this. In all fairness though, I use both. It's a cock, cockerel, or cockbird if I'm teaching or speaking with a show crowd, it's a roo when I'm chatting casual.

As for DreamsInPink's original query:

I've never met a mean Brahma, and only one mean Easter Egger (out of the 50 or 60 I've personally handled). Orpingtons, Cochins, and Faverolles are usually quite docile but you'll see a stinker every so often. Plymouth Rocks, Sussex, and Wyandottes are nicer more often than not but have potential for meaness. As for bantams, you can almost never go wrong with a Silkie or Sizzle, and OEGBS and D'Uccles are typically little sweethearts.

I'll do a shoutout for Oriental games, namely Shamo, Ga Noi, Thai, Malay, and Asil. A manfighter oriental is next to unheard of. Especially Shamo and Ga Noi, such calm and neat birds. But they are expensive and rather rare so they aren't the most common choices.

Avoid Polish and RIRs as they tend toward brattiness quite often.

 

[DreamsInPink]

Thank you all very much for your helpful replies. I haven't totally decided to get one this first go around, but I would definitely like to have one at some point.

I really appreciate the breed information, QueenMisha.. that's a lot to process.