Orpingtons. Orpingtons can be the sweetest chickens! This is generally true for both the hens and roosters! This heavy, docile, breed has friendly personalities.
White Orpington roosters are known to have friendly and calm temperaments. They are a very laid-back breed suited well for small backyard flocks.
If you want to choose breeds with a reputation for calm or friendly roosters, Faverolles are my favorite, and Barred Rocks are also very nice. Orpingtons and Cochins and Brahmas also have a reputation as nice, calm birds. Many people love Silkie roosters, too.
Old English Game. Old English Game chickens are one of the most aggressive chicken breeds. They were originally bred for cockfighting, so they have a lot of energy and aggression.
Silkie. Silkie roosters are not known for being aggressive. They are calm, friendly and docile – some roosters have been known to become lap roosters! You can expect them to take good care of their hens and to be quite attentive to the flock's needs.
The Quietest Rooster
Specifically, the Lavender Orpington is an extremely quiet breed of chicken. While not yet recognized by the APA, this chicken is quickly becoming a family favorite.
As usual, cockerels are the exception to all the chicken rules. They do not get on very well together and will often fight, violently.
If you're looking for a rooster to protect your girls, I suggest a mid-sized breed. Birds such as the Rhode Island Red, Barred Rock, and even the widely available commercial Easter Eggers make great protectors.
Head Hen. The head hen is at the top of the pecking order. This is the dominant hen in the flock. The head hen is not only the boss of the flock, but she is also responsible for the safety of the flock, finding food for the flock, and keeping order within the flock.
Aggression typically becomes apparent in cockerels when they reach puberty, generally any time after four months old. Sexual maturity ushers in the full load of testosterone, which is a behavior game changer for some.
Ideally you should have at least 10 hens for each rooster in your flock. Having a proper hen to rooster ratio in your flock will prevent rooster fights and keep the hens from becoming stressed out by too much rooster attention.
Whatever you do, don't put up with a mean rooster. Some people think all roosters are aggressive – not true! Choose a friendly bird with a docile or at least non-aggressive disposition, or you'll have hell to pay every time you go to tend to your flock.
A rooster often has his favorite girl, with whom he spends most of his time. She is not necessarily at the top of the pecking order, but he will treat her like a queen. It's possible that other hens might be envious of her role, because when the rooster is removed, his favorite hen is sometimes picked on by the others.
So while the answer to the question of "Do you need a Rooster to lay eggs?" is no, you can certainly have a happier flock with a rooster. Although uncrowded hens generally get along with each other, a flock with a rooster is usually more peaceful. There is less fighting for the top spot by the hens.
We normally recommend one rooster for every ten hens or so. In a large flock, there is often more than one rooster, with no problems. In smaller flocks, it's a greater risk.
Yes, they can! There are no problems associated with hatching mixed breed chickens. If you have a rooster in your flock, he will try to breed ALL your hens, nevermind if he is a different breed or even if the hens are different sizes, bantam and large fowl.
A lot of times as they are growing they will show some aggression at about 6 months of age and then they calm down!
Australorps are a very gentle natured, docile breed that become attached to their owners as much as you will to them! They are egg-stremely calm and are a delight in any urban or acreage backyard - they are also great for families with children, because they are so tame.
Orpingtons. Orpingtons can be the sweetest chickens! This is generally true for both the hens and roosters! This heavy, docile, breed has friendly personalities.
They prefer males at the top of the pecking order, but other roosters with lower status will force the hens -- about half their size -- to mate. Rather than attempt to fight off the undesirable mates, hens appear to have developed a more subtle way to reject them.
When you see the signs of an imminent attack, stand your ground and don't back off. If possible, take one step towards him, which tells him you're in the game and not backing down. Taking a step towards your aggressive rooster can also precipitate an attack, so be prepared.
The Australorp is renown for being calm and reserved - anyone with children knows that quiet chicken breeds are essential for families who are probably already sleep deprived! They are very friendly, and aren't easily skittish, which is good news for anyone with overly energetic young children.