Our Mixed Flock Journey!

[cavemanrich]

I've read that RIR's can be aggressive, but I haven't seen that with mine...so far anyway. It might be a different story if they were all cooped up in a smaller space!

My RIR's are also mild mannered. Only have one left currently, but I would not hesitate getting more in future. I think the key in chicken behavior is the amount of space. When cramped and crowded, some turn to bad behavior, while others become the victims. It is easy to make an assumption that the BAD ones are that way by nature, and the VICTIMS are always the mild mannered chickens. Then fast forward to having just the mild mannered chickens, and a batch of even more docile acting chickens!!!!!!!!!! I think in same environment when crowding is issue, those medium mild chickens would turn aggressive towards the least aggressive. Size of chickens does play a factor. RIR's are quite large.

 

[Ribh]

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My RIR's are also mild mannered. Only have one left currently, but I would not hesitate getting more in future. I think the key in chicken behavior is the amount of space. When cramped and crowded, some turn to bad behavior, while others become the victims. It is easy to make an assumption that the BAD ones are that way by nature, and the VICTIMS are always the mild mannered chickens. Then fast forward to having just the mild mannered chickens, and a batch of even more docile acting chickens!!!!!!!!!! I think in same environment when crowding is issue, those medium mild chickens would turn aggressive towards the least aggressive. Size of chickens does play a factor. RIR's are quite large.

In general I would agree with you. Space is crucial. However I only had 5 hens who were free ranging over more than an acre & my Australorps bullied my slightly younger BRs off the food & water. I have a number of bantams in my flock & quite simply haven't been game to try hens with a reputation for being aggressive. I don't want or need that in my flock. My BRs are great. My biggest problem is a standard Frizzle & she likes to throw her weight around just because she can but she's a klutz & the others can generally out manouver her. I know people who have RIRs love them. I just don't think they would be a good fit for my flock. I love Campines & they're enough of a handful for me.

 

[Ribh]

I would to have that Golden Campine hen.

I recommend them always. They are super smart, affectionate on their terms, incredibly beautiful, excellent foragers, rarely broody, & consistent layers. However they are really flighty, hate being handled, & loud screamers ~ though that does improve once they start laying.

 

[Ribh]

I'm with you!

When I picked up my Silver Campines [just as beautiful ] The breeder was really worried I'd be ok with them. They have something of a reputation for being difficult. I assured her I knew what I was in for as I already had some Goldens but the 1st time I let them out Aoife took off on a 50' circuit of our property amongst the tree tops!

Aoife

L~R: Patricia, a mutant BR; Ha'penny; Luna, FavorelleX; Aoife, Silver Campine; Morrigu, silver Campine.

Didn't mean to hijack your thread @drstratton . Just enjoy sharing some beautiful chickens.​

 

[N F C]

My light Favorelle X, Luna, & my golden Campine, Ha'penny, roosting in the gate.
View attachment 2319051​

Gorgeous birds Ribh!

 

[Ribh]

Gorgeous birds Ribh!

Thanks, Debby. I think they're rather lovely myself.

 

[N F C]

It's so cool that you have one, with them being so rare! I think she would like my free range pen, but would probably like the whole yard better. I've read that RIR's can be aggressive, but I haven't seen that with mine...so far anyway. It might be a different story if they were all cooped up in a smaller space! I almost got an Australorp, but went with the Marans instead! Thank you for sharing your knowledge of them, she's stunning!

I had 2 RIR in my Florida flock and they were wonderful birds. One of them was the boss of the flock but just by intimidation, she was never aggressive to the other breeds I had.

 

[WhoDatChick]

I had 2 RIR in my Florida flock and they were wonderful birds. One of them was the boss of the flock but just by intimidation, she was never aggressive to the other breeds I had.

Same with my Ruby.. she is a wonderful and fair leader... never is she a bully or aggressive! And she is rather small!

 

[N F C]

Same with my Ruby.. she is a wonderful and fair leader... never is she a bully or aggressive! And she is rather small! View attachment 2320229View attachment 2320230

Ruby is beautiful!

 

[WhoDatChick]

Ruby is beautiful!

Thanks! I like her.. she is always so serious!