Choosing Rooster

[tsperry88]

What you describe as a pelting from both sides most likely was his first “attack,” definitely a sign of aggression. I am not a fan of rehoming an aggressive bird. Your minor problem could possibly turn into a major one for the next owner. You don’t see many, if any, human aggressive dogs being rehomed...for a good reason. Same with a chicken. Us big people might just receive some scraps and lose a few drops of blood, but a small child could very easily lose an eye, or even worse.

Based on your current experience, it would be easy for me to decide which to keep. Also, I know they are gorgeous, but do you really need a rooster if the birds are securely enclosed?

I don't need one. My run is secure and electrified. I would like one for no good reason, and actually have a 3rd roo coming of age that wasn't intentional. If a louie doesn't work out I have another. If all 3 don't work out, I think I'll be done with roosters

 

[Mimi13]

I don't need one. My run is secure and electrified. I would like one for no good reason, and actually have a 3rd roo coming of age that wasn't intentional. If a louie doesn't work out I have another. If all 3 don't work out, I think I'll be done with roosters

If you really want one, don’t give up and just accept a bad one. Keep searching. I did and my Mr. Right was #13.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Keep the dominant Louie. Cull little Louie. Natural selection has already occurred. Little Louie is being kept from the birds and starting to take it out on you. The dried bloody combs are from them fighting over top cock spot. Little Lou lost. I'd rethink bringing in another cockerel as he'll immediately be put into aggressive situation of two cockerels ragging with hormones. I'd simply avoid that and not take the third bird coming. Or if for some reason you want that one then rid the flock of the two you have now before he arrives. Stick with one cock/cockerel. They mellow much once the teenage months of hormones and reckless mating are over.

 

[3KillerBs]

I honestly just like the crowing. I know that's a strange reason

I like the sound of a rooster crowing too.

Next year when I add one or two roosters to my flock part of my decision-making will be what his crowing voice sounds like.

 

[tsperry88]

I already have the 3rd rooster. He was one from my last batch of chicks. I raised 3 batches and lost some of each feeding the neighborhood foxes before I built my run. I'll have to figure out what to with him once the drama starts.

 

[tsperry88]

I like the sound of a rooster crowing too.

Next year when I add one or two roosters to my flock part of my decision-making will be what his crowing voice sounds like.

My youngest is crowing but sounds pathetic still. Both louie's have great crows and have from a super young age.

 

[tsperry88]

I provoked big louie a little bit by squating with a hen and reaching my hand out toward him. No fast movements, just giving him a hand to attack. He took the bait and pecked me then spurred me. Now I really don't know which to keep. Big louie does NOT share any of the females. I don't know if that's good or bad or just normal for the king bird.

 

[tsperry88]

I think I am leaning toward culling big Louie. Little Louie likes the older hens, even though he hasn't been able to mate in awhile due to big Louie. Both of them have shown some aggression now, which is a bad sign I know, but one has to go now.