Choose the right Cockerels

[Gerleon]

I need help to choose a rooster they are 5 months old are 6 of them
I have 19 hens and 13 pullets 5 months

What I have to do or check ?
I have 1 year whit the hens and this are the chicks born in summer.

 

[Folly's place]

First, cull for bad behaviors either towards humans, or the pullets and hens. Then, cull for structural faults, like wry tail at least.
Then, what are your goals for the flock? Best dual purpose? Egg production? Meat qualities? Select maybe two cockerels who fit with your plans for the flock, and who you like to see out there in your yard. That's one for the flock, and a backup in case Number One gets killed.
You won't always be right, but it's a place to start...
Mary

 

[BigBlueHen53]

It depends on what you want a rooster for. Do you have a particular breeding goal in mind, or just a rooster to protect your flock? Do you want a rooster that is friendly to humans? Do you want a quiet rooster, a young rooster, an older, experienced one? Have these roosters been to any shows where they might have picked up any diseases they might infect your flock with? Have you checked them for lice or mites?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

There are some good-looking birds in there! Good luck and have fun!

 

[Duckfarmer1]

Good lookers! Better looking coop! We have a BR...have you handled them a lot..that’s how I plan to make my choice...the nice bird..because our Spice has Ben a jerk. So, if you’ve handled them, and one seems strong and easy to handle..that’d be ,my choice..have the ladies met them or is that taboo..I don’t know because I’m about to go through it too!

 

[Alaskan]

First, cull for bad behaviors either towards humans, or the pullets and hens. Then, cull for structural faults, like wry tail at least.
Then, what are your goals for the flock? Best dual purpose? Egg production? Meat qualities? Select maybe two cockerels who fit with your plans for the flock, and who you like to see out there in your yard. That's one for the flock, and a backup in case Number One gets killed.
You won't always be right, but it's a place to start...
Mary

Yep, x2!

Personality and structural faults and hardiness.....

Then, what are you looking for? (Goals for the flock)

 

[Folly's place]

You haven't included your approximate location, which matters too. Large single combs will be prone to frostbite in cold climates, something else to consider.
Mary

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Have any of these been around hens? How do they behave? Are they rough with the hens or well-behaved? Do they drop a wing and do the jitterbug dance to see if she's interested, and take no for an answer if she's not? Or do they chase her down and beat her into submission whether she wants his attentions or not? That's a deal-breaker for me!

How do they behave around people? Both of these factors would be critical for me. I want my hens to feel safe from predators but not fear the rooster. And I don't want ME to fear him, either.

A good, confident crow is nice. I don't want the hens laughing at a rooster that sounds like he's dying of asthma..... but not at 2 in the morning, thanks!

As far as appearances go: beauty is nice ... but nice is beautiful! Go for nice every time!

That's my opinion anyway!

 

[Gerleon]

So this be hard ,I want the rooster to protect and egg production for next time the hens be broody that, I leave New York so is cool in winter but last winter I have other rooster whith long comb is look the same the white rooster on the photo all are brothers.

 

[Gerleon]

I see the white are little rough whit the hens ,the white and black that one don’t do anything some timeS I have to look for him both are 4 months
And tho other 5 months
I looking for the next couple days and check what they do and I posted thanks