4’s A CROWD

[Aaron Zoladz]

To cull or not to cull...that is the question...
Hello! Looking for some advice about my a#@hle roosters.
I have 3 Polish roosters, one of which should have been a hen, and the “surprise” chick I received also ended up being a Cochin roo. We have 16 hens and 9 ducks. The roosters were all nice enough at first, but have clearly hit their hormonal stride and are really out of hand. I have three preteen kiddos who are afraid to go outside as the roosters chase them(even when they’re on their bikes!!). We have tried hard to be patient and we all have tried hard to stand our ground but they seem to have even figured out how to gang up on us!! I can’t go outside right now without the dog who is pretty set on protecting us from the dang roosters. My question is this..
I really would like to keep at least one rooster around for breeding and protection. I think for the flock, the Cochin is the best fit. But he and two of the polish are unrelentingly aggressive. Even though all the roosters get along with each other, might it help with aggression towards us if we cull the two mean Polish? Might the Cochin come around if we eliminate some of his other competition? Or am I more than likely looking at culling all three? We’ve tried all the tricks to try to rehabilitate, just hoping we don’t have to cull all 3. Any advice is appreciated!

 

[The Phantom]

I would only keep the nice one. I am making the same hard decision right now with my 3 roosters.

 

[Dawnclucks22]

I've asked about this and most people suggest culling. Sometimes roosters won't change. Let's see what @RoostersAreAwesome has to say...

 

[Sunshine Flock]

I think roosters are awesome, too! But then again I only have experience with one: Henry.

He's a gem, but not so much when he bites my ankles or tries to attack two of the dogs he doesn't like. He doesn't bite me anymore, I'm guessing partly because he's ten months old and maturing out of some his behaviors, but I've also studied him carefully and learned how to work with him.

If you can't re-home the boys or create a separate yard and coop for a rooster flock for two of the boys, you may need to cull. They will feed your family or your dogs, an honorable end.

But choose one for the hens and give him a good month before making any decisions.

 

[keesmom]

Here those 3 would already be in the freezer, ready for some new soup recipes.

You could try the Cochin on his own to see if his attitude changes. Or just keep the one Polish and see what happens with him once the competition is gone.

 

[aart]

Here those 3 would already be in the freezer, ready for some new soup recipes.

You could try the Cochin on his own to see if his attitude changes. Or just keep the one Polish and see what happens with him once the competition is gone.

Ditto Dat^^^
Pick the one you want and get rid of the others.
It may change his demeanor towards humans, but not likely.
Males attacking humans is more about the humans attitude and behaviors than the bird itself. Can be hard to learn, especially for kids. With little kids around, unless you are dead set on hatching more chicks you don't need male and I'd get rid of all the males.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! 'Nasty roosters taste best' is so very true. Maybe culling the two Polish will help, but maybe not. Any cockerel who attacked me or my children would be dinner!!!
Mary

 

[theoldchick]

If they are terrorizing your children they must all go. You want chicken keeping to be fun for the kids.

 

[Mrs. K]

Truly - let them go.

 

[bobbi-j]

I am also casting my vote for putting them in the freezer.