Why are big chickens such JERKS?

[OwlLover]

Rhode Island Reds are known to be aggressive with docile breeds such as the cochin. You may have to think it through, but it seems that chicken dinner might be the only option if you don't want your banties being harassed.

 

[citychickx6]

Jerk chicken..... sounds tasty.

Yes Jamacian Jerk Chicken a tasty dish indeed.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Quote:
Agreed. That doesn't apply to every single RIR of course, but their aggressive nature has been my experience in the past.

 

[Miyashi]

Quote:
Agreed. That doesn't apply to every single RIR of course, but their aggressive nature has been my experience in the past.

My RIR is my best mouser. She's waaay better than the cat and she gets vicious with them...but she's very motherly to the rest of the chickens.
I guess she's aggressive to a point.

I never knew they were more aggressive toward passive breeds.

 

[OwlLover]

Quote:
Agreed. That doesn't apply to every single RIR of course, but their aggressive nature has been my experience in the past.

My RIR is my best mouser. She's waaay better than the cat and she gets vicious with them...but she's very motherly to the rest of the chickens.
I guess she's aggressive to a point.

I never knew they were more aggressive toward passive breeds.

Well, it just happens more than you would see a Wyandotte do for example. I used to have RIRs, and quite often I could catch them harassing my 2 Polish girls.

I've even been denied Salmon Faverolles simply because I had NHR, which are similar to them. I don't know.

 

[stoopid]

I have a rooster mutt, his name is Brutus. Constantly seen with feathers hanging out of his mouth. Another JERK, destined to be dinner! I keep thinking he will grow out of it, he's only 6 months old. But acting like Godzilla and picking up the babies, I think I may be dreaming hoping this will pass. I feel your pain!

 

[allmychickens]

she eats their feathers??!!!

 

[stoopid]

He chases after them, luckily that's all he can get into that big jerky beak. Mouthfuls of feathers. The babies won't hang around long enough for a second bite!

 

[Judy]

Wyandottes were my most bullying chickens. Breeds have tendencies, sure, but in the end it's an individual thing. Some flocks contain a peaceful mix of sizes, and in others it just doesn't work out. It's basically a pecking order thing, assuming their diet is adequate in protein; feather eating can be a sign of low protein in the diet, but it can also be plain old aggression.

If I had your flock, I'd probably just keep them separate. It might be that the larger, free ranging ones will give the bantams an extra measure of protection from predators.