Chickens are not typically known for being aggressive animals. In fact, most chicken breeds are quite docile and make great pets.
However, there are a few chicken breeds that are notoriously aggressive and can pose a danger to both people and other animals.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the most aggressive chicken breeds so that you can be prepared if you choose to raise one.
Most Aggressive Chicken Breeds: What Makes an Aggressive Chicken?
Ever wondered why some chickens are more aggressive than others? It turns out that there are a few factors that can contribute to this behavior.
Below, we’ll explore some of the reasons why some chickens are more aggressive than others and what you can do to keep your own flock in check.
Genetics/Selective Breeding
Selective breeding is the process of choosing which animals will be used to breed the next generation, based on desired traits.
This practice is often used in agriculture, in order to produce animals with desirable characteristics, such as high yields of milk or meat.
However, it can also be used to create animals with specific behaviors, such as dogs that are quick to learn tricks or chickens that are more aggressive.
In the case of chickens, some owners prefer birds that are more aggressive, as they are less likely to be picked on by other birds or preyed upon by predators.
As a result, these owners will choose to breed only the most aggressive birds, in order to produce offspring that display this behavior.
Over time, this process can lead to a significant increase in aggression levels within a chicken flock.
Gender
Gender also plays a role in aggression. In general, males tend to be more aggressive than females.
This is especially true during the mating season when they are trying to impress the ladies.
If you don’t want your male chickens causing too much trouble, consider castrating them. This won’t make them any less macho but will help keep their aggression levels in check.
Aggression Towards People vs Animals
Not all chicken aggression is created equal, though. Some chickens may be aggressive towards people but not animals, while others may only pick fights with members of their own species.
The best way to deal with aggressive behavior will depend on the root cause. If your chicken is being especially mean to other animals, consider keeping it penned up away from the rest of your pets.
If it’s only picking fights with other chickens, try adding some extra perches or nesting boxes to give everyone their own space.
Egg Laying Chickens Tend to Be More Docile
Chickens are social creatures that enjoy being around other chickens. They will typically establish a pecking order, with the most dominant chicken being at the top.
Egg-laying chickens tend to be more docile than meat-producing chickens, as they have been bred to be less aggressive.
As a result, they are typically lower in the pecking order and are less likely to start fights with other chickens.
This docile nature can make egg-laying chickens easier to handle, which is why they are often preferred by chicken farmers.
However, it is important to note that all chickens are individuals and can have different personalities. As such, it is always best to observe a chicken before making any assumptions about its behavior.
What Breed of Chicken is Most Aggressive?
Chickens are amazing creatures. They provide us with eggs, meat, and feathers. They are also low maintenance and relatively easy to care for.
However, not all chicken breeds are created equal. Some chicken breeds are more aggressive than others.
Brahma Chickens
Brahma chickens are a large breed of chicken that was originally developed in the United States.
Brahma chickens are known for their aggressiveness and their strength. They have been known to attack humans and other animals, and even kill other chickens.
Brahmas are also known to be very noisy, which can be a nuisance to neighbors.
Cornish Chickens
Cornish chickens are another large breed of chicken that is known for their aggressiveness. Cornish chickens were originally developed in Cornwall, England.
They are known for being very forceful, sometimes attacking and even killing other animals and chickens. Cornish chickens can also be quite noisy.
Dorking Chickens
Dorking chickens are a British breed of chicken that is known for its frantic behavior. Dorking chickens were originally developed in Dorking, England.
They have been known to injure themselves due to their frenzied pecking and scratching.
Dorking chickens can also be quite aggressive, sometimes attacking humans and other animals.
Lakenvelder Chickens
Lakenvelder chickens are a Dutch breed of chicken that is known for its aggression towards other animals.
Lakenvelders have been known to kill smaller animals, such as rodents and reptiles.
They can also be aggressive towards other chickens, sometimes even killing them. Lakenvelder chickens are also known for being quite noisy.
Wyandotte Chickens
Wyandotte chickens are an American breed of chicken that is known for its aggressiveness. They have been known to attack humans and other animals, and even kill other chickens.
Wyandottes can also be quite noisy, which can be a nuisance to neighbors.
American Game
Like some of the others on this list, these chickens were originally bred for cockfighting. They’re large and powerful, with sharp claws that can do a great deal of damage.
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.
They can be quite territorial and may attack other animals and people if they feel threatened.
Malay
Malay chickens are also fairly aggressive. They were originally bred in Malaysia for cockfighting.
They’re known for being quick and agile, with sharp beaks that can inflict serious wounds.
Asil
Asil chickens are another aggressive breed. They were originally bred in Pakistan and India for cockfighting.
They’re known for being very strong and powerful, with sharp claws that can do a lot of damage.
Oriental Game
Oriental Game chickens are another breed that was originally bred for cockfighting.
They’re native to Asia, and they’re known for being very aggressive and territorial.
Shamo
The Shamo is a Japanese breed of chicken that was originally bred for fighting. They are large birds with long legs and muscular bodies.
They can be aggressive towards other chickens and animals.
Modern Game
Modern Game chickens were bred in England for cockfighting. They are tall and have a streamlined appearance. They can be aggressive and territorial.
Saipan Jungle Fowl
The Saipan Jungle Fowl is a native chicken breed of the Mariana Islands. These birds are known for being very aggressive and territorial.
Red Jungle Fowl
The Red Jungle Fowl is the wild ancestor of the domesticated chicken that we know today. These birds are very aggressive and can be dangerous to humans.
Sumatra
The Sumatra is a chicken breed that originates from the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. These birds are known for being very aggressive and they have been known to attack humans.
Thai Game Fowl
The Thai Game Fowl is considered to be the most aggressive breed of chicken. This bird originated in Thailand and was originally bred for cockfighting.
Thai Game Fowl are known for their large muscular bodies and sharp claws.
They are also very territorial and will attack anything that they perceive to be a threat, including other chickens, dogs, and even humans.
If you’re considering this breed, be sure to have plenty of space for them to roam and also be prepared to handle them with care, as they can be quite dangerous.
Rhode Island Red
The Rhode Island Red is another breed of chicken that is known for its aggression. This bird is native to the United States and was originally bred for meat production.
Rhode Island Reds are large birds with red feathers and wattles.
They are also very territorial and will attack anything that they perceive to be a threat.
Like Thai Game Fowl, Rhode Island Reds need plenty of space to roam and should be handled with care.
Leghorn
Leghorns are a breed of chicken that originates from Italy. They were originally bred for egg production but have since become popular as pets or exhibition birds.
Leghorns are small birds with white feathers and red combs.
They are not as aggressive as some of the other breeds on this list but can still be territorial if they feel threatened.
Leghorns do not need as much space as larger breeds and can typically be handled without too much difficulty.
Buckeye
The Buckeye is an American breed of chicken that was developed in the mid-19th century. It is named for its resemblance to the head of a male deer, which is called a “buckeye.”
Buckeyes are known for their good egg production and friendly dispositions. However, they can also be quite aggressive, especially when it comes to protecting their chicks.
If you have Buckeyes, be sure to provide plenty of hiding spots for them so they can escape if they feel threatened.
Faverolle
The Faverolle is a French breed of chicken that was developed in the late 19th century. It is named for the village of Faverolles in Normandy, where it was first bred.
Faverolles are dual-purpose chickens that are used for both egg production and meat production.
They are known for being good mothers and for being very friendly towards humans.
However, they can also be quite aggressive when it comes to defending their eggs and chicks. If you have Faverolles, be sure to provide plenty of shelter and nesting areas for them so they feel secure.
Cubalaya
The Cubalaya is a Cuban breed of chicken that was developed in the early 20th century. It is named for the Cuban city of Santiago de Cuba, where it was first bred.
Cubalayas are dual-purpose chickens that are used for both egg production and meat production. They are known for being very active and for being good flyers.
However, they can also be quite aggressive, especially when it comes to defending their territory.
If you have Cubalayas, be sure to provide plenty of space for them to roam so they don’t feel trapped or claustrophobic.
Pros and Cons of Raising the Most Aggressive Chicken Breeds
If you’ve ever been to a petting zoo, you know that not all animals enjoy being touched by strangers. Some will try to bite or scratch you if you get too close.
Chickens are no different. In fact, there are certain breeds of chicken that are more aggressive than others.
So, what are the pros and cons of raising an aggressive chicken? Let’s take a closer look.
The Pros of Raising an Aggressive Chicken
There are actually a few pros to raising an aggressive chicken. First, if you live in an area with a lot of predators, an aggressive chicken is more likely to defend the flock and warn the others of danger.
Additionally, aggressive chickens tend to be better at foraging for food and they’re also less likely to succumb to diseases.
So, if you’re looking for a chicken that’s hardy and can take care of itself, an aggressive breed may be the way to go.
The Cons of Raising an Aggressive Chicken
Of course, there are also some downsides to having an aggressive chicken in the coop.
First, unless you plan on keeping it separate from the other chickens, it’s likely that this one will bully the others and steal their food.
Additionally, if you have small children or other animals, an aggressive chicken may view them as a threat and attack them.
So, before you decide to get an aggressive breed of chicken, be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Most Aggressive Chicken Breeds: Final Thoughts
While all chickens have the potential to be aggressive, there are some breeds that are more likely to exhibit aggression than others.
If you’re looking for an animal that will serve as both a pet and a watchdog, then you may want to consider one of the breeds listed above.
However, it’s important to remember that all chickens need plenty of space to roam and should be handled with care regardless of their breed.
