Which Rooster Goes

[beverlybirdd]

I am a brand new chicken owner and loving it! To make a long story short, I have three hens. I hatched eggs in my classroom and brought two more chicks home and sure enough, they are both roosters. Because of neighbors dogs running loose, my small flock is contained inside a fenced area. I have found someone to take one rooster for me. Now I have to decide which one goes. Personality at 13 weeks shows one to be curious about me and coming up to me to investigate. Breed is a Rhode Island Red mix. Mixes into the hens well. The other is an Aracauna mix, won't have anything to do with me and is less dominate than other rooster. Which one will more likely be less aggressive with me once it gets older? My small flock is for eggs only, not raising chicks so breed does not matter. Just personality. Thanks!

 

[BellLisamo]

Aracaunas are usually the friendlier and non agressive

 

[popcornpuppy]

Hi, I have a Rhode Island Red roo. He is freindly and protective at the same time. He comes to us when we have food to give him and has only pecked a couple of times at my husband. (It might be a guy thing.

) The roo is very good with me and the kids, dogs and cats. I do not have any experiance with other breeds of chickens, so I could not tell you from experience if the Aracauna is freindly or not. I think one thing to consider is what both of your roos are mixed with. If you don't know, it's like getting a dog from a pound. (the folks at the pound never know for sure what kind of dogs they have, they only know if they are friendly and will make good pets.) The best match for you is the one that shows that he can get along with you and the hens. It s very important that the chickens all get along with each other, as well as you.

 

[stuckinthecity]

Probably the Red, since he seems nicer to you then the EE. But I mean it could just be since hes lower in the pecking order.

 

[omelette'smom]

I had a NH red which I would imagine is about the same personality as a RI. He's curious because he's bold. My little man decided to peck mother in law in the hand twice. Hubby loves his mom more than the handsome bird so the bird went. He would be the more aggressive. I only have an auracana hen. She is evasive. I really couldn't tell you if it's the breed that determines or the pecking order like stuckinthecity said. But my money is to keep Mr auracana. (One of these days you KNOW you'll want a few hatchlings!!

)

 

[beverlybirdd]

Thank you everyone. I think I am leaning toward the Rhode Island Red leaving. At this point the Aracauna is scared of his own shadow. With the Rhode Island Red gone I think he will come around better. I think he will be a better size for the other hens that I have also. If anyone else has more information I would greatly appreciate it. Rooster isn't leaving until Monday so time to change mind.

 

[Ghostchick]

I think keep the friendlier one, and someone might like the EE for breeding?

 

[stuckinthecity]

Quote:
I agree, but the person on top of us explained he might just be friendly cause hes bold, and then he could start pecking. I've heard alot of stories about RIRs turning mean when they get to that "rooster stage" where they start thinking they have to defend the hens...ect.

Either way your keeping a good rooster,

 

[Elite Silkies]

My son's girlfriend has a RIR Roo and one Hen. Never had any problems with the Roo, until the hen decided to set and the Roo would not let her in the coop. He attacked her every time.

I don't know from personal experience. I have read several articles that RIR are more aggressive.

I chose Black Australorps because of their docile nature.

Cammy

 

[songbird]

I have the same dilemma right now, everyone. (Let me know if I should move this post to its own thread.)

Out of 13 chicks, 6 were straight run bantams. Out of the 6 bantams, I think 4 are roosters. So there are 7 standard hens plus 2 bantam hens (I think.) Right now they all are about 11 weeks old.

White Frizzle #1: Bigger, redder comb and wattles, bold, but does not act aggressive toward me. Mostly ignores me, except when I surprise them by opening the coop door, he gives the hens a warning. This is the BAD boy with the other chickens though. MEANIE! It started by attacking (biting) a mille fleur roo, and now he chases and bites almost all the chickens. I even separated him one night because I was afraid someone would get hurt.

White Frizzle #2: Less bossy and cantankerous than #1 but still goes after the others occasionally. Both are fine to hold but this one is quieter and gentler.

Mille Fleur de Uccle: Spent his first 24 hours mostly in my pocket as he almost died upon arrival. Now, he is BOLD, struts right out into the middle of the yard with his head up high when he sees me. He is the only one that bothers to look at ME when I am out in the midst of the chickens. The other roos just go on about their business. My 7 year old son carries this one around ALL the time - he absolutely loves him.

Blue Silkie: the smallest of the entire group, seems to be lowest in the pecking order. But the past few days, this one has also been chasing after others and biting them.

I didn't want to keep ANY roosters. But if you were to keep one of these, and you had five kids under the age of 7, which would you think is the safest bet?