What breed for a docile rooster??

[sparky134]

I am thinking of rehoming my RIR rooster he is just wearing out feathers on 8 of my 10 hens and I don't know what type of breed to replace him with. I would like a rooster for protection not so much for fertile eggs. Anyone with suggestions on docile roosters??

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Before I suggest anything, I would like to remind everyone that while roosters are considered as protection for a flock, remember...they are chickens as well. They will run from something should it attack...in most cases anyway.


Having said that, the most docile rooster I have had was a Rhode Island Red cockerel. The second is my Langshan Clyde. He has only 3 hens but has yet to do any damage to them from breeding. No feathers broken or missing. He's had only 3 females for 2 years.

 

[ultasol]

I don't know how much protection a docile rooster would be, but I loved the temperment on the very large exhibition type white wyandotte roo I had. He is now owned by a small boy (7) who loves him dearly. He was a fantastic bird, just didn't have a hen for him.

 

[sparky134]

I guess you are correct in saying "I don't know how a docile roo would be at protecting" . I am having a problem with my RIR roo. I have 10 hens to 1 Rooster and 5 have such barred back,broken feathers and 3 of the remaining 5 are starting to so signs of wear. I don't want to put hen saddles on all my hens, I think its time to rehome him but I would like a rooster just not such an aggressive one towards his hens so I thought I'd ask what you all thought I might do??

 

[AHappychick]

how old is he? they tend to get more gentle with the girls as they age. it is usually the specific bird though not the breed per say that is docile although some breeds like silkies are most often docile, but being friendly and docile is diffent than being gentle while mating. I would put saddles on the ones that he mates with the most and start asking around for someone who has a really sweet older roo that they know is good with the hens.

 

[teach1rusl]

I think ameraucanas are rumored to be fairly gentle...EEs too.

 

[speckledhen]

Docile with humans doesn't mean docile with predators. I have four roosters. My blue Orp rooster and my Delaware rooster are both very calm, even-tempered boys, but they are fierce at protecting their women. My Del, Isaac, loves to have his chest scratched, but he's large and strong enough, as well as very motivated, to protect his girls to the best of his ability, which I'd say was considerable. That doesn't mean he'll live through it, but I'm sure he'll give a predator a run for its money. My blue Orp is huge, over 12 lb. He is not as maneuverable, but he has bulk and is super alert. I'd drop dead from shock if either of those showed me any aggression. They're good boys and I'm very pleased with them.

I have two BRs, one of whom is crippled so out of the picture except as a pet. The other one is very large, strong and a fabulous protector. He is docile and easy going except when I have to separate him from his hens for a period (long story). Then, he tends to bite out of frustration, but most of the time, he's really good. He's had brothers, owned by other people, who turned aggressive, but overall, I like BR roosters for my flock. I did have one aggressive Ameraucana a couple years ago, but I have one Blue Wheaten Ameraucana cockerel who is six weeks old that I plan to let run with the main flock, along with the BR, Dutch.

All that said, it's usually more of an individual thing than a breed thing.

ETA: A rooster's job is to buy the hens time to get to safety, not to really disable a predator, though some do manage, depending on the predator. That's what I have mine for, a first line of defense. I realize, as everyone should, that he will most likely lose his life in a showdown, but he has a noble job.

 

[Highlander]

My Brahma roo was a sweetie. Very gentle with us and the hens.

 

[IggiMom]

I agree with whoever said that a rooster isn't really protection, even an aggressive one. They are chickens.

That said, my most docile and friendly roo so far is my Wellsummer rooster. He doesn't seem to mess up the hens back as much as some of the others, either.

He is a nice guy.

They have a deserved rep for being nice.

My rooster do not live long if they get aggressive.

Catherine

 

[sparky134]

Thanks to everyone who replied back. My RIR rooster is 2 years old and I got him at about 15 weeks old so I didn't hand raise him. I'm thinking that could be part of the aggressive behavior problem. He's seems like a great protector to the hens but sure is aggressive when mating due to all the feather damage. No skin or blood, yet. I'm just having a hard time in deciding what to do?? I have found him a home and my local feed store will help me find a roo and a couple more hens, all chicks..How do you all think the hens will do with no rooster around? 1) will they celebrate 2)will they truely miss the rough housing??