Choosing a rooster

[Cluck Noris]

I currently have two cockerels roughly 14 weeks old. A black copper marans that is dominant, and a blue copper marans. I am trying to decide which rooster to cull.

The black copper marans is larger, watches for danger, and generally is a good rooster for being young. The blue roo is also a good most of the time, but insists on trying to breed one hen, that keeps trying to refuse.

I wanted to keep the blue, as I prefer his colors and I was hoping to get some splash through breeding, but I am worried about his behavior toward the one hen. Will it change if I cull the dominant rooster? Or should I just keep the black and wait a generation to get some splash? I know they are young but I would rather try to address the issue now rather than see if it changes after they mature some. Any thoughts welcome. TIA.

 

[sourland]

Try separating the dominant rooster from the flock, and gauge the blue rooster's behavior over a period of time. He may become worse. Once separated, they will fight if you try to reintroduce the dominant rooster.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Try separating the dominant rooster from the flock, and gauge the blue rooster's behavior over a period of time. He may become worse. Once separated, they will fight if you try to reintroduce the dominant rooster

Always do this before making your final decision^^ For cockerels especially it can make a night and day difference how they treat the hens based on where they end up in the pecking order. It’s like the kid who got bullied in school who always seemed nice and quiet. Then they graduate from highschool getting away from the bully, end up in a power position in some company and turn into nightmares to deal with on a power trip.

 

[Cluck Noris]

Try separating the dominant rooster from the flock, and gauge the blue rooster's behavior over a period of time. He may become worse. Once separated, they will fight if you try to reintroduce the dominant rooster.

I can put the dominant rooster in a pen, but would still essentially be in the main run. Would this accomplish anything? Or would I have to get him out of sight and earshot?

 

[sourland]

While still in sight, it might take a bit longer for the subordinate to develop/show his mojo.

 

[fluffycrow]

What sourland suggested is a very nice plan. It'll take time for the blue male to show his true behaviour, but it will happen.

Keep in mind that whichever of the two you choose to keep, their behaviour can still change, especially in their first year, sometimes all the way up to 18 months

 

[aart]

I can put the dominant rooster in a pen, but would still essentially be in the main run. Would this accomplish anything? Or would I have to get him out of sight and earshot?

Think it would be better to get him out of sight.
Do you have a wire dog crate, and space to put it somewhere out of sight?

 

[Finnie]

You mentioned not wanting to wait longer to see how they each mature. Is that set in stone, you need to get rid of one now? Because I would suggest keeping them both as long as possible. Not only will you see how they mature, which could reveal which is the better one for breeding, but also gives you a backup rooster in case something happens to your favorite one. That is a very real possibility. But of course, how long anyone keeps multiple roosters is a function of several factors according to your situation.

 

[Cluck Noris]

You mentioned not wanting to wait longer to see how they each mature. Is that set in stone, you need to get rid of one now? Because I would suggest keeping them both as long as possible. Not only will you see how they mature, which could reveal which is the better one for breeding, but also gives you a backup rooster in case something happens to your favorite one. That is a very real possibility. But of course, how long anyone keeps multiple roosters is a function of several factors according to your situation.

I can keep both, was just hoping to try to get it figured out as soon as possible. I guess when dealing with roosters that isn't always possible lol

 

[Mrs. K]

At 14 weeks, one really is just guessing. And truthfully how a cockerel is acting this week is NOT an indication how they will act next week especially at this age. There is a very strong possibility that neither rooster will work out.

My question is about the rest of your flock. Are they a multi-generational flock? Is there older hens, or are they flock mates? How much space is in your coop and run? How many birds do you have in the flock? All of these things can influence the development of roosters.

Do not think, that just because you got these roosters there is a obligation to keep either rooster. I do not keep any rooster that I don't like for any reason. Thing is, if you want a splash rooster do some looking around. People always have more roosters than they need, and what would really be sweet is to find one that has been raised up in a multi-generational flock that is so sweet that he has gotten the bye.

My main point, don't just keep one of these because you have them. It might be best to cull both of them and get a good one. But at 14 weeks it is going to be difficult to predict.

Mrs K