At what age to re-home cockerel chick?

[Old 76 Farm]

My broody hatched out three beautiful Buff Orpington chicks. Two are pullets, one cockerel now all 5 weeks old. I already have Daddy buff Orp plus two other roos, so the little guy will have to be re-homed. He has great genetics & his daddy is the best rooster I've ever had so he should be easy to re-home.

At what age should he be re-homed? Because he would go alone, I'm not sure of this.

 

[autumnhearth]

My broody hatched out three beautiful Buff Orpington chicks. Two are pullets, one cockerel now all 5 weeks old. I already have Daddy buff Orp plus two other roos, so the little guy will have to be re-homed. He has great genetics & his daddy is the best rooster I've ever had so he should be easy to re-home.

At what age should he be re-homed? Because he would go alone, I'm not sure of this.

I don't think there is one right answer. I would say before 4 months, that's generally when hormones kick in. We gave our Buckeye cockerel away at 6 weeks, because of the pea comb I wasn't positive it was a boy, but he was causing a lot of drama with his sisters, I would have liked to have waited longer. If there is no trouble, perhaps between 10-15 weeks, never too early to place an advertisement though.

 

[Nupe]

It really depends on the home you find. If you rehome him young, it would be in his new owners best interest to add him to an already mature flock where the hens can fend him off from bullying and aggressive mating as his hormones kick in. Otherwise I think if you let him grow up to 1 year old, he would be an awesome addition to any flock because your Daddy roo will thump some manners in him as he sexually matures.

 

[donrae]

As soon as possible.

 

[Old 76 Farm]

Thanks very much for your replies!

I decided to put him up for sale now, being ready to go at 7 weeks old or now if the new owner has chicks this age. Oh how I wish I could keep him! But that's the way it goes.. He'll make someone a great rooster