8 week old flock - when do I move the boys ?

There are a number of reasons to move the cockerels to a grow out pen of their own, often called a bachelor pad. They squabble, but not too terribly, since they had been brooded together. Studies show that both sexes grow faster and fuller if separated and not competing for food. As the cockerels mature, the pullets enjoy the peace of not being harassed. This is the thinking. We have found it serves us well. We usually do the separation around 6-8 weeks.

 

I usually leave my cockerels and pullets together until they are 10-12 weeks of age. They could stay together for longer, as the males (at least in my experience) don't get aggressive to the pullets until they are older, but I still separate them at that point because it works best for my set-up. The pullets will be happy living together, and the cockerels, while they would love to have some girls, will be fine.

Some cockerels fight even without hens, but I've never had a problem with that. Just like with hens, there will be a pecking order and a few squabbles now and then, but nothing too serious. If any blood begins to be drawn, though, I would recommend getting rid of the aggressive bird(s).