Confident birds, not cuddly

Rhode Island Reds are confident, assertive birds rather than lap chickens. My girls are friendly with me — they follow me around and eat from my hand — but they won't be picked up willingly and won't be carried around by children. They're practical, efficient birds rather than pets in the Silkie or Orpington sense. If you want egg production above all else, they're exceptional. If you want a cuddly bird, look elsewhere.