Bachelor flock: don't let them see hens

[Airyaman]

So question: what happens if they see hens but can't get to them? Will this just make their hormones rage and want to fight each other just because they are sexually frustrated?

My one "problem" subflock (Black Australorps) of 7 cockerels and 2 hens got a bit of division last night. I allowed the hens and a couple of cockerels to go back into the coop and then put the last cockerels in my rotational run (it's a run that is not permanently meant for any of the birds). However, that run has nothing blocking the view and hens can be seen when I allow birds to free range (I rotate free range time between subflocks). While these cockerels are currently still "young" (almost 13 weeks) they are getting of age.

I don't plan on leaving these cockerels in there long term. I am trying to rehome them and if I can't, well, soup pot (the latter looking more likely by the day sadly).

However, I do have another more permanent run with my first subflock consisting of 5 cockerels and 4 hens. My plan is to segregate out 3 of the hens with one of the cockerels (all CCLs) and for that to be my permanent bachelor pad for the remaining 4 cockerels, as I have plans for most of them, just not yet. I do not plan on putting any of the BA cockerels into that pad because, honestly, I've found the breed to be one I won't be keeping.

That said, same applies. While in their run, the cockerels cannot see any hens, but they could when I give free range time.

So what does happen when of age cockerels in a bachelor pad see hens they can't reach?

 

[azygous]

Of course no one can predict what will happen. You will need to try it and see.

But, it's been my experience in my flock with my bachelor pair that seeing the hens and having actual access to them are two very distinct things. My boys were peacefully content with each other's company while still being able to see all of the hens from their run. They only fought on the rare occasions I permitted them to mingle with the girls. Therefore, I avoided giving them access to them.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I agree, you cannot predict what will happen each and every time. Each chicken has its own personality and each flock has its own dynamics.

Mine can see the girls where I keep them. Some pullets will occasionally go up to the fence and hang around, wanting to be close to the boys. Most years it is extremely peaceful inside the bachelor pad, no fighting. But some years there are occasional fights between the cockerels. One year I had a cockerel inside the bachelor pad and my dominant rooster roaming with the hens fight through the fence.

 

[Airyaman]

Of course no one can predict what will happen. You will need to try it and see.

But, it's been my experience in my flock with my bachelor pair that seeing the hens and having actual access to them are two very distinct things. My boys were peacefully content with each other's company while still being able to see all of the hens from their run. They only fought on the rare occasions I permitted them to mingle with the girls. Therefore, I avoided giving them access to them.

Yes, at this time, my cockerels will not mingle with hens once their flock is established. Well, not until I have hens for them. Two will likely never have hens but I like them enough to keep feeding their sorry selves.

 

[Airyaman]

Oh, and in case someone asks, I said 4 hens above, and 3 with one of the CCL cockerels. The 4th is a speckled sussex (my very first chick!) and she has another subflock of SS waiting on her to join.