If you get some from a breeder, they will be friendlier. Yours would take some time to get the color and body up, but from what I see the comb wattles and legs are close. If you are looking for nice friendly RIRs, getting a Heritage Roo from a breeder and breeding them with your hens would help with their behavior.
Hatcheries want lots of eggs to hatch, so do not really care about temperament.
Thanks Ron. Now that I know I have something to work with, it is coming down to temperment. I have been working with these boys and have already decided that one has to go. I do have two who are willing to be handled without much fuss, come and eat from my hand when I offer treats and are becoming more gentlmanly towards the ladies. I have also been talking to them a lot and I think it is making a difference in how they perceive me. Make no mistake, I still assert myself as the alpha when I need to but they seem to be settling down. I will certainly look into getting a heritage roo come spring.
Does anyone know how long it takes for a production RIR to perfect their egg laying skills?! I have a RIR that is almost 34 weeks old (born in April this year) who is still laying really small eggs. I can't remember exactly when she started laying. Some of the eggs are shaped a little funny as well. I am hoping her eggs get better, I was counting on the RIR having large eggs. She also lays in the run, not in the coop or nest boxes, but that's a whole different issue
I do live in Rhode Island so I was wondering if the shorter days and colder weather may be affecting her since she's still young...and maybe she will lay better come spring? My Red Star is the same age and is laying large, beautiful eggs, and even my Easter Egger (same age) is laying better, larger eggs than the RIR. I am a little disappointed so far...
My production RIR (I have 3) all started laying at about 5 1/2 mos. I think by 61/2 mos they were all laying larger eggs. Yes the winter months may slow down their laying cycles. I live in FL and my hens are just getting going again after slowing down during the hottest summer months (we are backwards here for chickens and gardening LOL). Make sure your girls have access to calcium and are getting plenty of protein. Molting also may affect laying eggs. My chickens are molting feathers all over the place right now, not sure if the folks up north are having that at this time with their hens.