Choosing a rooster

[karint]

My speckled Sussex chicks are almost 8 weeks and I want to keep only two roosters to grow out and not feed all of them for the next month or two. How do I choose? I’m not looking to show just want good genetics and some general tips. Also not worried about behavior for the most part as they are all very sweet and gentle right now. Thanks

 

[Debbie292d]

My speckled Sussex chicks are almost 8 weeks and I want to keep only two roosters to grow out and not feed all of them for the next month or two. How do I choose? I’m not looking to show just want good genetics and some general tips. Also not worried about behavior for the most part as they are all very sweet and gentle right now. Thanks

Here's a good post going a little bit further than maybe you care to, but you could look for attributes or the lack thereof in one or both.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/show-quality-speckled-sussex.429217/

 

[JacinLarkwell]

At only 8 weeks, their temperament can still change a lot. At that age, the only aggressive males I had were the horribly aggressive ones. The others that became aggressive started showing signs far past just 2 months old

 

[AprilWC]

The hardest lesson I've had to learn in raising chickens is not to cull too soon. Unless there is an obvious flaw, I have started growing all of mine to 8-10 months. If you can, I would grow them out to be at least 4 months old. 6 months would be even better. In the meantime, take photos and write notes about each. As time goes on, you'll develop an eye for how your line grows and changes and you can possibly make culling decisions earlier.

 

[karint]

At only 8 weeks, their temperament can still change a lot. At that age, the only aggressive males I had were the horribly aggressive ones. The others that became aggressive started showing signs far past just 2 months old

Good to know thanks

 

[karint]

The hardest lesson I've had to learn in raising chickens is not to cull too soon. Unless there is an obvious flaw, I have started growing all of mine to 8-10 months. If you can, I would grow them out to be at least 4 months old. 6 months would be even better. In the meantime, take photos and write notes about each. As time goes on, you'll develop an eye for how your line grows and changes and you can possibly make culling decisions earlier.

Thanks I love keeping notes and journals but never thought about this. Very useful. I might need to downsize a few but could keep 4 to choose from.

 

[karint]

Here's a good post going a little bit further than maybe you care to, but you could look for attributes or the lack thereof in one or both.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/show-quality-speckled-sussex.429217/

Wow this has so much details. Thanks so much. Started reading but will need more time to get through it all. I’m thinking in the end I love the more white speckled hens so won’t ever be close to standard but for me it’s about what I find pretty but will read more especially for rooster form. Thanks