Aggressive cockerel...what to do?

[CrazyChookChookLady]

I currently have a batch of 10 6 week old chicks in an integration pen. I know I have 3 cockerels, 2 blue rocks and 1 barred rock. The biggest blue rock is becoming very aggressive with the other chicks. He's the light blue one next to the feeder. He has no issues with jumping on the girls and grabbing their head feathers. He is also sparring with the 2 other cockerels in the pen.

I'm pretty sure he caused the severe wound on my EE pullet, Gertrude. The pullet is recovering well. I have noticed some additional peck marks on the combs of the other chicks in the pen. I've watch my 4 big girls with the babies and I do not believe they are leaving the marks.

I'm thinking the best way to deal with this is to cull him, but I wanted to see if anyone had additional ideas first. Since he is a dual purpose bird I have thought of growing him out until he can be processed.

 

[Ryder]

cull him or eat him I think if he is aggressive to you

 

[Ebony Rose]

Another option is to put him in a dog-crate (other cage) and out of view of the others in the flock for a week, then move said crate or cage into view of the rest of the flock for a week and then reintegrate him into the flock. He should be at the BOTTOM of the pecking order when he's reintroduced and much calmer. If however he's still a meanie, he'd be off to freezer camp. Roosters are a dime a dozen, keeping a mean one doesn't do your or your hens any favors. This method gives him the benefit of the doubt, gives him 2 weeks for his hormones to settle down, and gives him another chance at a long life.

 

[Ebony Rose]

As for the hen that's scalped, I've found larvicid (that bright purple spray medicine) does wonders of disguising the damage, reducing others picking on it. If she's still getting picked on, you might need to put her into another cage but within view (Look but don't touch) of her flock to attempt to maintain her pecking order, while she heals. I've seen some really nasty wounds heal nicely with chickens... they're tough!

 

[Henry&Friends]

Freezer camp. Don’t let him start mistreating you, either.

 

[Ebony Rose]

And wait... 6 WEEKS old? **looks at picture again** But those are chickens, not quail... **again, looks at picture** 6 WEEK old chickens and acting like that??

 

[CrazyChookChookLady]

And wait... 6 WEEKS old? **looks at picture again** But those are chickens, not quail... **again, looks at picture** 6 WEEK old chickens and acting like that??

I have been very surprised by his behavior as well. The other boys are much calmer. I do want a flock rooster, but not one like this.

 

[meglynnie]

That is a shame! He looks like a good looking rooster, but aggression is a no no.

 

[CrazyChookChookLady]

Freezer camp. Don’t let him start mistreating you, either.

He's not mean to me yet, but these are chicks our children picked out and handle. I don't want any of them being hurt. It's just a shame, because he's so pretty.

 

[Ebony Rose]

I'd still try for the un-integration then reintegration route before culling; He is so pretty.