Rhode Island Red or Brahma?

[thecreekhouse]

I have a small backyard flock of pullets. I wanted a mixed flock and that’s what I have: one Silkie, one Ameracauna, one Olive Egger and one large Cochin. I have space to add one final pullet to my flock and I’ve narrowed my selection down to two breeds: Brahma and RIR. I’d like some input from others on which I should get.

I’m looking for a hen that stands out visually from the chickens I already have; I love watching my flock so aesthetics are important. I like pretty chickens. I also want a calm and curious chicken that won’t flee every time I come near. I’d like regular egg production and I’d prefer brown eggs to white since I already have a Cochin and a Silkie, both of whom will lay white eggs.

So which do you think I should go with? A light Brahma or a Rhode Island Red?

 

[Trish1974]

I'm not sure how well Brahmas lay, but everything else you describe points towards Brahma.

 

[GirlsMommy18]

RIR can be bossy little dicks to other hens. They are also curious and hilarious to watch. A favorite of mine, but you are better describing the brahma in what you want for your flock next.

 

[Chickenaddition]

Brahma's are great chickens. Not bossy but not picked on (especially due to their size). Friendly and the nice thing about them is they lay during the cold months quite often.

 

[Melky]

Personally Economics say RIR. That RIR is heat and cold hardy lays large to x-large 5 plus eggs per week. Males aggressive, all females not. While light Brahma may be sweeter disposition only get 3-4 eggs per week of medium size. The Brahma is going to eat you out of house and home as 9-10 lb. hen while the RIR is only 6 lbs. easier on feed bill. The Brahma also gets broody frequently. Not good unless breeding. The RIR not broody plus pretty brown eggs. My money on RIR.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Get the Brahma. The Rhode Island Red will beat up your other chickens as they are a dominant breed.
Cochins and Silkies lay brown or cream eggs by the way.

 

[Chickenaddition]

Personally Economics say RIR. That RIR is heat and cold hardy lays large to x-large 5 plus eggs per week. Males aggressive, all females not. While light Brahma may be sweeter disposition only get 3-4 eggs per week of medium size. The Brahma is going to eat you out of house and home as 9-10 lb. hen while the RIR is only 6 lbs. easier on feed bill. The Brahma also gets broody frequently. Not good unless breeding. The RIR not broody plus pretty brown eggs. My money on RIR.

Not going to deny Melky's post here. Speaking the truth on Brahma's and their need for feed. However a Brahma will stick out as being a great Chickenpuppy! Brahmas are sweet chow hounds that will follow you around, jump up on your lap, and in general make a visual statement on the lawn.

Not going to deny you have to pay a bit more in your feed bill, but it's worth it. My money is on Brahma. (just playin with Melky) Either way you are going to get a good chicken.

 

[Chickassan]

Ok, won't lie i'm not a fan of RIR's they are more trouble than they're worth in a mixed flock and if you have docile birds they're terrorists.
I do love brahmas, yeah they eat alot but the personality makes up for that in spades.
One of the few breeds I can bring in the house if they have problems and cause less trouble than a housecat.

 

[Chickenaddition]

Go Go Team Fluffybutt Brahma team!!

 

[Chickenaddition]

@thecreekhouse Please keep us informed on which way you go... Remember @Melky and I have money on this. Not that it should influence you on which way to go... but I will give you half my winnings if you go Brahma which should help you with all that extra feed you will need.... again not trying to influence the bet. I would never do that. I am not competitive in any way shape or form.