Behaviors in Roosters with no Hens

[kguinness76]

My cockerel is about to be re-homed, to a home with no hens. He will be the only chicken there, he will be able to free range all day. My question is since he will go from having 5 pullets to watch to not having any, what is the best way to transition and what behaviors should the new owner expect. Thanks.

 

[HeritageGoose13]

Chickens are flock animals. With the exception of some gamefowl breeds, they need to be with their own kind. He will be very skittish and unhappy by himself.

 

[mmmyyykkkeee]

Advise the new owner to get some hens for your roo. They are social creatures so they need company.

If he's alone, he can be very noisy and will be crowing all day to call out her girls.

 

[kguinness76]

The new owner is my sister, she does not plan on having any hens. She is taking him as a favor to me, I was not able to find anyone else. There are hens next door, do you think he will bother them!

 

[mmmyyykkkeee]

If he begins to mature he will call the ladies' attention. Does the neighbor own a roo too?

 

[kguinness76]

Not sure, I have never heard one when I have gone to my sister's house but that could coincidental. I am leaning towards no though.

 

[mmmyyykkkeee]

Maybe you can ask the neighbors if they want your roo. They will have a flock protector and fertile eggs that can hatch to chicks.

It's all up to you. But the roo will not be happy being alone. Have you considered butchering him? Why would you keep a roo for nothing? Sorry for asking but I'm just wondering. You will be feeding him but you will not get anything in return. Plus you have to have a coop for him. Not to mention cleaning the coop.

Chickens are addictive, why don't your sister try raising chickens? It's fun

 

[HeritageGoose13]

The rooster will spend all day trying to get to the other flock.

 

[keesmom]

There are hens next door, do you think he will bother them!

Absolutely. All chickens do not like being alone. If he is free ranged he will just walk next door to join the neighbor's flock. If the neighbor has a resident rooster your cockerel will wind up in a fight.

If you ever come up towards Westford there's a guy who takes any and all birds. Or consider having him butchered. There's a poultry processor in East Bridgewater (or was it New Bedford?).

 

[kguinness76]

Who is the person in Westford, my sister just told me her neighbor has a rooster.