Would Orpington Breeders Weigh In, Please?

[Gray Farms]

I was aware of the need for low roosts, but had not considered the possibility of "perceived competition" or it's effect on fertility. Hmmmm. I'll need to ponder on that. Does this approach in housing increase aggression towards humans in any way (redirected aggression?). I've got a one year old son who loves the birds - I can't/won't keep aggressive cocks for that reason (which I openly admit is going to further complicate breeding efforts). So I may need to continue to research layouts and building plans to find something that will work for me and the birds. There's no one correct answer out there, I just want to plan as best I can to improve my odds of success.

The juvenile males pre-crowing age could theoretically be housed communally, though (with the given exception that there's always at least one who can't get along with anybody)?

I've never had an aggressive Orp. In nearly 15 years breeding buffs I can't recall even one. However a one year old child is much different than a larger child or adult. That'd be your call there. Personally I wouldn't let a 1 year old on the ground with poultry of any type. Accidents could happen to fast.

 

[Pickled Plaid]

I've never had an aggressive Orp. In nearly 15 years breeding buffs I can't recall even one. However a one year old child is much different than a larger child or adult. That'd be your call there. Personally I wouldn't let a 1 year old on the ground with poultry of any type. Accidents could happen to fast.

That's definitely good to know. My husband's Silkie cockerel was the spawn of satan himself. He was our first cockerel, and he was a steep and painful learning curve. (No more Silkies for our family)

My son has a very unusual and very carefully monitored friendship with our Buff Orp pullet. She makes mother hen noises around him, and generally enjoys being near him. They follow each other all over to the limits of fencing and gates. Do I trust the birds with him? I do not. Do I trust him not to accidentally hurt a bird? I do not. (He's my only child after 6 miscarriages - it's really hard not to want to suit him up in bubble wrap!) Lulu's amazing temperament is the foundation for my love of Buff Orpingtons. She is very special, and we may never again have a bird like her. I still want my son to grow up around animals of different types - with the line drawn at outright unstable and/or aggressive animals.