16 week cockerel behavior questions

[ChickenB12]

(Unpopular opinions ahead, my chickens are not pets, they have a job, but I give them as many chances as I can and provide them with a loving home with lots of treats and love)

I have a very novice question I wasn’t planning on keeping my cockerel and may still decide to move him to freezer camp, but currently he’s terrified of all my older girls, my question is will he grow out of it?

I have 5 black copper marans that absolutely rule my coop/yard. They are bullies, eat feathers, and are overall jerks to everyone including each other. I was hoping my boy once he was old enough (currently 16 weeks) would help with the bullying situation and restore some form of order since my attempts have been unsuccessful. It’s these girls last chance before going to camp…

Also he has not crowed yet. Not complaining about this just curious

 

[thecatumbrella]

How old's your roo?

I know some people will raise their rooster a generation behind their hens, specifically so the older girls can put him in his place.

Cockerels can undergo a large behavioral change once their hormones come in. There's always a chance your guy can toughen up, but I wouldn't count on it. Your Marans sound like hellions!

 

[ChickenB12]

He's 16 weeks old now, and I have noticed he's starting to get sassy with my Cow Print Hey Dudes. However, when one of the Marans comes over, he squawks and runs away.

I will never own marans again after these five girls; they are so mean.

 

[2ndTink]

He is still pretty young and will likely blossom in confidence in a few more months, but if he's getting constantly scared by the hens, he might not ever really challenge them.

@wrathsfarm has Marans and might have some info on their behavior.

 

[ChickenChick46]

He's 16 weeks old now, and I have noticed he's starting to get sassy with my Cow Print Hey Dudes. However, when one of the Marans comes over, he squawks and runs away.

I will never own marans again after these five girls; they are so mean.

I'm sorry, I laughed at the Hey Dudes thing. I can just see your boy trying to show your shoes who is boss.

All joking aside though, I'm sorry about your mean girls. I totally agree with your stance. I'm willing to give chances, but I'm not going to put up with persistent bullies either. My kids want to be involved with the chickens and I won't have them or me being attacked, or the rest of the flock being stressed out because of bullies.

I hope you're able to restore the peace, even if it means freezer camp.

 

[ChickenB12]

I'm sorry, I laughed at the Hey Dudes thing. I can just see your boy trying to show your shoes who is boss.

All joking aside though, I'm sorry about your mean girls. I totally agree with your stance. I'm willing to give chances, but I'm not going to put up with persistent bullies either. My kids want to be involved with the chickens and I won't have them or me being attacked, or the rest of the flock being stressed out because of bullies.

I hope you're able to restore the peace, even if it means freezer camp.

Oh, it is hilarious, and it is just my Hey Dudes.

Thank you for your input and understanding. I have tried pinless peepers, separation, and pinning them down to lower their standing, but they are still horrible and have earned a spot in freezer camp.

I was hoping he would eventually help, which is why I decided to keep him when he turned out to be a roo.

 

[thecatumbrella]

I have noticed he's starting to get sassy with my Cow Print Hey Dudes.

Sounds like some special marans need some special cow print sweaters!

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Oh, it is hilarious, and it is just my Hey Dudes.

Thank you for your input and understanding. I have tried pinless peepers, separation, and pinning them down to lower their standing, but they are still horrible and have earned a spot in freezer camp.

I was hoping he would eventually help, which is why I decided to keep him when he turned out to be a roo.

I’ve read that it’s not uncommon for a #2 cockerel or rooster to be a bit shy, but that when the Head Guy leaves (to whatever fate), the #2 becomes more self-assured.

Maybe once your hellions are gone, he’ll step up. And in the meantime, he can practice on your Hey Dudes.

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

I have a cockerel and pullets at 17 weeks old. The cockerel has been lower in the pecking order. However, in the past couple of weeks, he has been moving up in the ranks. He has been asserting his self more and more every day. So maybe there's hope that when the hormones kick in with your cockerel, he will move up in the ranks also.

 

[ChickenB12]

I’ve read that it’s not uncommon for a #2 cockerel or rooster to be a bit shy, but that when the Head Guy leaves (to whatever fate), the #2 becomes more self-assured.

My post may have been confusing. I will edit it. I only have the one Cockerel/Roo.