Can 3 cockerels live peacefully together?

[midman]

I have 2 remaining Black Australorp roos living together. They are the remainder of my first 6 birds I purchased from tractor supply; they sold me 6 roos. So much for straight run, never took that chance again. Dali and Egg get along fine they are 2+ years old. When I first open the doors in the AM to the outside pen, hey sometimes briefly posture and chase, but they have never really fought. They have been together since they were less than a week old chicks. I was going to pull one out and put him with my hens, but I felt bad that the other guy would be lonely. I guess I'm getting soft in my old age.

 

[Criticalicious]

Most if not all of the BYC pundits warn against giving treats to roosters/cockerels as this can encourage aggression. They recommend that you make them stay out of your personal space at all times, using a stick if necessary, to re-inforce your dominance. Roosters that attack see you as subordinate and you want to nip this in the bud or put them in the crock pot. Here's a good article with practical wise advice:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/beekisseds-rooster-speak.73664/

Thank you. Yes, I've read at least a dozen of these articles about training roosters. I don't back off or let him in my space, and if/when he challenges me, I challenge right back - like an alpha roo would. I tried the mean approach at first, over dominating him and catching him unawares, but it seemed to make him meaner - to me AND to his girls. The one time he nipped my foot was because I invaded his space; he wasn't coming after me - I believe he was defending his personal space.

The warnings about giving treats I think depends on HOW you do it. My roo hasn't seen an older roo in action so he's learning everything on his own or from me. I'd rather teach him to be kind to his girls; I offer them food before him. Alphas can be kind to their flock, so I don't see a problem with offering treats when he behaves properly. I don't need a lap pet (although that would be nice) but I do need to be able to work in the coop, to feed the flock, and to handle the birds and check them over for health problems periodically.

Here is a great BYC article about taming roos - The Definite Guide to Roosters.

 

[CannedMonster]

Thank you. Yes, I've read at least a dozen of these articles about training roosters. I don't back off or let him in my space, and if/when he challenges me, I challenge right back - like an alpha roo would. I tried the mean approach at first, over dominating him and catching him unawares, but it seemed to make him meaner - to me AND to his girls. The one time he nipped my foot was because I invaded his space; he wasn't coming after me - I believe he was defending his personal space.

The warnings about giving treats I think depends on HOW you do it. My roo hasn't seen an older roo in action so he's learning everything on his own or from me. I'd rather teach him to be kind to his girls; I offer them food before him. Alphas can be kind to their flock, so I don't see a problem with offering treats when he behaves properly. I don't need a lap pet (although that would be nice) but I do need to be able to work in the coop, to feed the flock, and to handle the birds and check them over for health problems periodically.

Here is a great BYC article about taming roos - The Definite Guide to Roosters.

I like your style!
I remember as a kid the rougher I played with our cat the rougher and “mean” he got with me.

I have 4 cockerels right now. Three months old.
I had a year old bantam roo but I gave him to a friend a couple of days ago.
I don’t know if they learned anything from him (I hope so because he’s always giving the girls food and never once been human aggressive).
I’m not tolerant of any actual aggression from any animal.
They will learn that attacking the humans (or dog) will get them nowhere and if they can’t learn that they will go in the freezer or to someone willing to work with that level of aggression (or stupidity ).
My boys like to sit on my lap occasionally.
I let them.
The reason I let them is because they come up politely and look at me first like they’re asking permission.
Sometimes I say no by holding up a hand and moving them away.
They’re very responsive so far.
I had all three on my lap the other evening lol! They barely fit.
They have never tried to peck me or anything for a long time.
One would peck my hand as a chick as soon as I put it in the brooder.
I would immediately push him back several feet.
After being bowled over a few times he learned nothing good came of pecking and stopped doing it.
My small dog also has permission from me to defend himself if they peck him.
He will snarl and chase them for a few steps and stop.
They run away.
He is not allowed anything more than that and he knows it.
The chickens have only done that a couple of times.

I’m constantly amazed by how many people who put up with aggressive behavior and bites, scratching and such from animals but think defending themselves is being “mean”.
A lot of animals will try to dominate you if you allow it.
It’s not mean to teach them that doesn’t work lol.

 

[Peppercorngal]

I have three roosters right now. I'm waiting for trouble! I have raised all 28 chickens together from their day two. I wasn't supposed to have any roosters, but y'all know how that works. So far they all get along, they actually seem to share the hens. Sounds a little weird, but it's true. Everyone is 22 weeks old today! Almost 6 months old. I have a neighbor who wants a rooster and when one gets a little out of control, I have a place for him to go! I'm lucky so far! Two of the roos will eat out of my hand, and one will let me "pet" him. So far everyone is friendly. I don't expect it to last!

 

[CannedMonster]

I have three roosters right now. I'm waiting for trouble! I have raised all 28 chickens together from their day two. I wasn't supposed to have any roosters, but y'all know how that works. So far they all get along, they actually seem to share the hens. Sounds a little weird, but it's true. Everyone is 22 weeks old today! Almost 6 months old. I have a neighbor who wants a rooster and when one gets a little out of control, I have a place for him to go! I'm lucky so far! Two of the roos will eat out of my hand, and one will let me "pet" him. So far everyone is friendly. I don't expect it to last!

How old are they? I hope it works out with mine and they share the girls lol.
They have never had any serious fighting but they’re only 3 months.