"Big Chicken"

[VaDutch]

He would be "popping" his wings. Thats what Ive heard and call it anyway.

 

[MROO]

"Flogging" is the term used when a rooster beats an opponent with his wings. The term is also applied to a rooster doing the same thing as a warning to potential predators. My boys will flog and crow to let me know they're big, bad and in charge. Those hackles settle quickly once they realize who/what startled them, but that doesn't keep them from mumbling little obscenities at me as they walk away. They know who's really the boss!

 

[KWestVA]

I've had to remove birds I didn't want to remove before, it's a tough decision, but sometimes sacrifices need to be made. The ones I had to remove became food for us.

I don't eat meat as a dietary choice, but I have no problem with those who do - so I would need to rehome the males, which can be challenging.

 

[MROO]

Holy cow, you are totally psychic. I have two cockerels and one pullet - which I do understand violates the natural order of things - and I got the impression today that my pullet thinks she's a cockerel like her brothers. She growls, does "Big Chicken", and takes absolutely no crap from the boys. In the meantime, they're so busy challenging each other (non-violently so far) that Blondie is only minimally harassed (and I intervene as needed).

Unless you cull or rehome (either is hard, I know,) you either need to separate one of your boys of get a dozen new pullets. Personally, I vote for more ladies!

 

[KWestVA]

Unless you cull or rehome (either is hard, I know,) you either need to separate one of your boys of get a dozen new pullets. Personally, I vote for more ladies!

So, I have considered that option as well, but I've read so many posts about new chickens getting bullied. Do you have any recommendations/links for integrating new chickens into the flock?

 

[MROO]

So, I have considered that option as well, but I've read so many posts about new chickens getting bullied. Do you have any recommendations/links for integrating new chickens into the flock?

That really depends on a lot of factors - the age difference, your physical set-up and what is available are just a few, but it's definitely do-able.
How old are your current youngsters? If they're young enough to add some littles, you can brood a group within sight (see-no-touch) of the older three. When the babies are hard-feathered, you should be able to introduce them to Blondie without too much trouble, but The Boys will need separate digs until the youngsters are big enough to handle the unwanted "attentions" of the much bigger boys.
You could also separate the boys (together, just not with your lone pullet) and add a few similar aged ladies to buddy with Blondie. You'll still have to quarantine, but that can be done within sight of each other, too.
Starting a small mixed age flock can be a mess, logistically, but with prudence and patience, you'll end up with a healthy, happy flock!

 

[KWestVA]

That really depends on a lot of factors - the age difference, your physical set-up and what is available are just a few, but it's definitely do-able.
How old are your current youngsters? If they're young enough to add some littles, you can brood a group within sight (see-no-touch) of the older three. When the babies are hard-feathered, you should be able to introduce them to Blondie without too much trouble, but The Boys will need separate digs until the youngsters are big enough to handle the unwanted "attentions" of the much bigger boys.
You could also separate the boys (together, just not with your lone pullet) and add a few similar aged ladies to buddy with Blondie. You'll still have to quarantine, but that can be done within sight of each other, too.
Starting a small mixed age flock can be a mess, logistically, but with prudence and patience, you'll end up with a healthy, happy flock!

That is so helpful! My three chickens are all 8 months old. Due to a combination of rookie errors and bizarro weather, I have been bringing the chickens inside my house at night, and each one stays in a different cage/crate - which, based on some articles I've read, may explain why I have not yet had any major aggression between the males or unwanted attention towards Blondie (by segregating them for basically half the day). Of course, that could change at any minute. Right now, I'm focused on surviving this "Day After Tomorrow" polar vortex. Anyone who thinks climate change is a hoax needs to visit Southern VA!