I have 3 roosters and 12 hens. The roosters are brothers. I've had them since they were chicks. From the day they started moving one established dominance over the other two. As they grew, the dominance became stronger. Despite being smaller than his brother, there was no question who ran the yard, and who led the hens. If another rooster dared to square off with him, they would be run off. He even would run off my boxer dog if she got near his hens. Even at three months he was a proud roo with all the traits you hope for. I loved watching him patrol outside the coop when the sun went down. He has a full long crow too. This summer though #1 (his name) got sick. I think it was bronchitis but not sure. Since then he has gotten over it, but during that time he has lost his place in the pecking order. He went from being fearless to now being scared of everything. The other roosters chase him off, and he usually walks around alone. He waits until all the birds are roosting until he goes and eats. Whenever I touch or pick him up he screams at first then seems very skittish. The new dominant roo is #2 who does not seem to share the same traits #1 had. He does the typical rooster thing, but he seems to be more of a lover than a fighter. More of a goof ball. Can anybody tell me why this may have happened, and if it may change again? Thanks.
