Multiple rposters raised together PROBLEM!

Roo L

In the Brooder
Apr 18, 2016
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2
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Hi everyone
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I need your help. I've five roosters that are raised together. No they are grown up and live together without any chickens. They don't fight but they do treat each other and mostly the weaker ones as chickens. Because of this three of them have lost their neck feathers and have cuts and wounds on their crown and they keep screaming the whole day. I'm really worried. What should I do? Please guide, I'll be really really grateful.
 
A little more information will help us to help you, and your birds.
What breed(s) are your birds? How old are they now? What is the total amount of space in the coop and run that the birds are being kept in? Are there any female chickens within sight range of their housing unit?
Normal pecking order behavior is one thing, issues such as yours where physical harm is taking place on a regular basis is another.
 
This is a problem with roosters. You really cannot keep them all. They do not always get along, and wishing they would won't help. They have to be separated, if your set up does not allow for that, then they must be culled, which means they need to be removed from the flock, however you can do it. The screaming won't quit and neither will the fighting. And I am pretty sure they will soon be attacking you.

You can try either taking out the most aggressive birds or the most passive birds, but frankly I don't think it is going to work for the long term. I think you might get a temporary reprieve and then the problem will start up again. Space may be a problem, as birds grow, then need more space, what was enough space when they were chicks, rapidly becomes not enough space when they are full grown and the hormones kick in. I have had a bachelor pad, but there comes a point where they are more than likely are going to kill each other, which is very vicious and ugly. More ugly than a quick and merciful death in my opinion.

You can post on craigslist if you do not care to cull them yourself, or sometimes feed stores will take them. Don't ask question and get some nice hens.

This happens to many people new to the hobby. They think that if they treat the birds nice, and care for them, become attached to them, that the birds will be like other pets. Chickens really don't, they don't have a very large brain, and they are mostly controlled by hormones. They see us as an easy food source, and people often misinterpret that for love.

Mrs K
 
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I don't know which breed they belong to but they are like the one in these images.
They are almost one year old and there are no hens with them.
Please guide me what to do? I really love them and don't want to lose them.
 
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I maintain bachelor groups of American Dominique roosters (usually cockerels 6 to 12 months old). When in groups of 10 or so in 10 x 10 dog kennels I see just as you describe, Damage is minimal but it can be loud at times. Issues stop while they are given free-range time unless they come upon a hen then outright combat can ensue. Keep hens away. To moderate aggression in confinement, provide more space per bird and make so subordinates can fly up on something to avoid higher ranking birds that like to be onery on the ground. Even make a feeding station in the elevated location. Also larger / more complex social groups of roosters tend to direct less aggression as particular subordinates. Do not go cheap on the feed.
 

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