question about personalities.

[Dogwood Farm]

I told you I would drive you nuts with questions. OK this is the plan. I would like to start off with a varity of chickens. I thought 8 Rhode Island Red, 9 Barr Rocks, and 8 White Leghorns. So I called our local feed store and they can order all of these and they will be in sometime middle of May. But the lady told me that Rhode Island Reds can be agressive. I know you guys would have more experience at this then I do at the moment. Growing up all we ever had was Leghorns. Any info will be greatly appreciated.

 

[birdbrain2]

I am new too but I have a 3 breed flock. 3 of my 6 chickens are rir's and i don't think they are anymore aggressive than my other 2 br's and 1 glw. i think the key word is " can be" aggressive.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I think it depends on the strain. RIR's have been bred as a production breed for decades and many strains have been developed. So it will be a matter of luck. I don't have RIR's but this topic has come up several times and you will hear form people who think their RIR's are great sweet birds and others that will say they are aggressive.

I assume you got them from a hatchery? Maybe if you tell which one, someone can relate their experience. If it is a drop-ship operation, that may not mean much.

As I said, I think. I don't know.

 

[Dogwood Farm]

I haven't gotten any chicks yet. I had decided on these three then asked the advice of the lady at the feed mill. They get them from a hatchery only about 2 hrs away from here. So they don't have far to travel to get here.

 

[Intheswamp]

Personality is up utmost importance to me....a docile, friendly personality. Reason being is I want my granddaughter(2+ year old) to be able to enjoy the chickens, too, and to kinda grow with them.

So far I've narrowed it down to Australorps, Buff Orpingtons, and (running last place) Dominiques. The Australorps and Opringtons are large chickens, but from what I can tell are very docile to the point of being "pets". I ruled out the RIRs early own as hearing to many stories about aggression with them. The leghorns, well I dunno...for some reason I picture them as nervous and flighty. I want a more laid back, easy going bird myself.

Are your intentions for eggs, meat, or both?

Ed

 

[Dogwood Farm]

I wanting them for eggs for now. I am also looking for a laid back chicken. I was looking at the Buffs Orpington for an alternative to the RIRs though I liked what I read about them. My daughters are 8 and 11 and I know for a fact it wouldn't take much for the 8 yr old to become afraid of them.

 

[embkm]

The RIR hens I've had haven't been agressive. I have heard that sometimes the roos can be though but I've never had one.

I can honestly say I've never had a truely agressive hen of any breed. The friendliest hens I've had so far are my Light Brahma, Australorp, and my buff mixed hen. The reds have been curious but a tad standoffish. With my new chicks, the Buff Orp and the RIR pullet chicks are the friendliest and actually rub on my hand to be picked up. The RIR chick is my 8yo daughter's and she is absolutely attached to her. Whenever Lucky sees my DD, she starts talking and hopping around until DD picks her up, then she just snuggles in to DD. It's too sweet.

 

[The Poultry Peanut]

Black Australorps!! those are the sweetest chickens

and they lay well too

 

[Dogwood Farm]

Thanks you all. You have no idea how much your advice has helped me. Thank you.

 

[Feathered Landings]

Love my araucanas, she's so sweet and docile. Our Red Sex Link is great with the kids and comes when we call her. I also have a RIR and she's not aggressive at all. I think the key with us and our chicks was to hold them as often and as much as we could-not a problem with a 1 1/2 and a 3 1/2 yr old.