You. RFN, 2014

[Glinda]

Originally Posted by orthodoc

Hesitating to join this convo,I have to ask ... beyond dorkings, are there any poultry breeds where the cocks actually protect their hens and aren't total dicks? I don't even care if they're protective; I can deal. I just want the cock to be a dick to the threat that matters. (Okay, this is an existential question;never mind.)

I'm looking at Jersey Giants and Ohio Buckeyes. Giants for the cocks and Buckeys for the hens. We have some ground predators here, nothing terrible so far; but we do have hawks and turkey vultures. I'm thinking that a Jersey Giant cock would be a match for most threats, and the Buckeye hens would manage in our climate.

Just about every breed of roo is going to be protective of his girls, to some extent. It's hardwired into them.

As far as being friendly/non-aggressive to humans, Dorkings are at the top of the list, and I've heard good things about Brahma, Cochin, Buff Orpington, Black Australorpe, and Silkie roos (and bad things about Rhodies), but keep in mind that chickens, just like dogs and cats, have their own personalities. And, just like dogs and cats, they way a chicken is raised can have a lot to do with how it turns out - the more time you spend with them, the more you get them used to being picked up and held, the less trouble you'll have in the long run. (This is particularly important if one of your flock should escape the fencing and you have to chase it down!)

In general, Dorkings, Orpingtons, Australorpes, and Americaunas are very mellow breeds.