First of all, not a bird for you if you want a quiet backyard flock. I would go and look at a different breed, because the Old English will tell you everything on its mind. I have owed a few, though currently only one, a Rooster, who lives in my garage so iv had plenty of experience with their noisiness. Other than that though, my all time favorite breed, hands down. From my experiences, friendlier than Silkies, and seem more genuine about their friendliness. Very smart. I'm surprised my roo has not learned to open his pen yet. An excellent starter bird, but roosters will fight other roosters and aggressive hens, most of the time to the death, so watch an integrated flock carefully if mature or near mature birds are being introduced.