Wyandotte, Barred Rock or Dominique?

[Alydup]

I am getting new chicks and my husband who has little interest in chickens likes the look of Silver laced Wyandottes. So if it will make him content with me raising chicks again then I’m in...Sort of. I’m fairly certain he won’t know the difference between them Barred rocks or Dominique’s. Which is the best pet? I have read Barred Rocks have gentle temperaments on chicken sites but seemingly this is untrue based on blogs I’ve read. I like a friendly hardy hen more so than a great layer. Who’s the friendliest of the three?

 

[imnukensc]

My BRs are very friendly, but they aren't pets.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I would go for a Dominique of those 3 to choose from.

There are lots of laced birds.

Maybe consider a silver laced cochin or dark Brahma I KNOW they are friendlier.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

I think they are as friendly as you make them. I have a barred rock pullet and she is very affectionate.

 

[Alydup]

I would go for a Dominique of those 3 to choose from.

There are lots of laced birds.

Maybe consider a silver laced cochin or dark Brahma I KNOW they are friendlier.

Thanks... I am getting a couple of other breeds I want from a breeder with those 3 laced breeds and I have to travel to get them. Mainly just barn yard mixes around where I live so to get them all in one stop and of the same age would be easiest

 

[21hens-incharge]

Thanks... I am getting a couple of other breeds I want from a breeder with those 3 laced breeds and I have to travel to get them. Mainly just barn yard mixes around where I live so to get them all in one stop and of the same age would be easiest

I see. I also agree with getting them in one stop then.

 

[janiedoe]

I love my SLW. She is friendly with humans and chickens alike. She is a good layer too. I'm not as fond of my GLW. They lay just as well but are not too friendly.
My barred rock is friendly to me but picks on other hens. I have never had a Dominique.
You will love whatever hens you get, I'm sure. But if you don't get what your husband wants, he'll show up some day with a SLW rooster and a couple of pullets. Lol, happened to me.

 

[slbenter]

I wouldn't bet on the fact that your husband won't know the difference between the barred rock and the laced. I've had a barred rock in the past, and I can tell the difference in a heartbeat, in pictures anyway.

 

[Alydup]

I wouldn't bet on the fact that your husband won't know the difference between the barred rock and the laced. I've had a barred rock in the past, and I can tell the difference in a heartbeat, in pictures anyway.

Haha yes it is easy to tell the difference but his interest level is minimal. He just saw a picture and said “that one looks cool”. I think as long as it is similar it would be “cool” enough for him.

 

[Willowspirit]

I love my Wyandottes. They are very inquisitive and climb all over me if they get the chance. I have 2 silvers and 3 gold and they are all friendly. Oh! And i now have an older blue laced red and she is very friendly and gentle.

I don't necessarily think of them as pets but I do appreciate birds i can pick up and evaluate for problems or move easily.