What are the worst chicken breeds you can have?

[RingosGarden]

In your opinion, what are the absolutely no-no's for novice chicken owners?

The angriest, meanest, most stubborn breeds you can think of?

 

[QueenMisha]

Today's common "Rhode Island Reds", aka (more correctly) Productiom Reds, are absolute nightmares. They are great with people, don't get me wrong, but they are absolute terrors to other chickens. Working with batches of hundreds of pullets (multiple breeds) at once in my workplace, you see the difference. Batches without RIRs? Maybe 10, 15 birds who have been feather picked. Batches with 'em? Usually half the batch. That's 150-200 birds feather picked by a little group of 25-40 Rhodies (my boss won't order any more than that at a time because they're so awful.

Gamefowls; now, gamefowl are great birds. Love 'em, wouldn't live without em. But they make not so good beginner birds. They are not "picky" like Rhodies; they don't sit and pick-pick-pick like they do. They fight, they win, and they beat the tar out of any bird smaller or weaker who dares to challenge them. Their spirit is admirable, but it's not a good option for a beginner to have in the yard.

 

[RingosGarden]

Oh interesting, I have two red chicks and I'm not sure exactly what type of red they are. Some folks on my "What breed is this" thread have told me they're probably a production red or RIR. Now I'm hoping they're not like the RIR you mentioned haha that sounds like a nightmare.

I've only got three chicks so hopefully they won't bully my easter egger!

 

[QueenMisha]

Oh interesting, I have two red chicks and I'm not sure exactly what type of red they are. Some folks on my "What breed is this" thread have told me they're probably a production red or RIR. Now I'm hoping they're not like the RIR you mentioned haha that sounds like a nightmare.

I've only got three chicks so hopefully they won't bully my easter egger!

There are three kinds of common reds: RIRs, which are a darker red with black in the tail, hackle, and wings; New Hampshire Reds, which are a lighter red with black; and Red Sex Links, which are red with varying amounts of white over the body. RIRs are often nasty, but NH and RSLs are usually quite good tempered.

There are SOME good tempered RIRs out there. But I would say they are few and far between. I've never met one. You may want to consider getting a non-RIR buddy for your EE, as there is indeed a chance the Reds might bully it. I'd be willing to bet money that it ends up at the bottom of the pecking order no matter what, though whether it is truly harassed by the Reds will depend on the individuals.

 

[RingosGarden]

There are three kinds of common reds: RIRs, which are a darker red with black in the tail, hackle, and wings; New Hampshire Reds, which are a lighter red with black; and Red Sex Links, which are red with varying amounts of white over the body. RIRs are often nasty, but NH and RSLs are usually quite good tempered.

There are SOME good tempered RIRs out there. But I would say they are few and far between. I've never met one. You may want to consider getting a non-RIR buddy for your EE, as there is indeed a chance the Reds might bully it. I'd be willing to bet money that it ends up at the bottom of the pecking order no matter what, though whether it is truly harassed by the Reds will depend on the individuals.

Here's a picture of them, what do you think?

 

[QueenMisha]

Here's a picture of them, what do you think?

Probably RIRs, sorry. Well, on the bright side, they will be good layers, and they are usually good with people. Just be sure to keep an eye on the little EE for any signs of bullying, and definitely consider getting a buddy for it.

 

[RingosGarden]

Dang! That's ok, I'll keep an eye on them then as they get older. One is pretty wily and the other is very quiet. I also have a female duckling, maybe she can be my EE's bodyguard haha