Cockerel behavior

[RubelliteRose]

So we were planning to list some of our cockerels on the local FB group this weekend for re-homing. Today, however, one of the boys started chasing one of our hens around the run. It would be one thing if she were laying, but she is still in the middle of a heavy molt.
Is this an indication that his blood line should end or should he get a hormonal teenager pass and a chance with a new flock? He is 19 weeks old today.

 

[SwampPrincessChick]

I'm definitely not an expert on rooster behaviors, but I think you should wait to see if his temperament gets better as he becomes an adult.

 

[Tonyroo]

That's normal, new cockerels start to test there boundaries with the flock hens. Doesn't mean they will be aggressive.

 

[SwampPrincessChick]

That's normal, new cockerels start to test there boundaries with the flock hens. Doesn't mean they will be aggressive.

I agree! It's more of an establishing dominance thing.

 

[RubelliteRose]

That's normal, new cockerels start to test there boundaries with the flock hens. Doesn't mean they will be aggressive.

This is our first time we have had more than one boy so we weren't sure. Up until now, we've seen the boys testing the hens and being immediately put in their place. Today we saw Grey chase Nutmeg around the garden beds while she was screaming and running - she is a bit of a drama queen though....

 

[Tumbleweedlynn]

That's normal, new cockerels start to test there boundaries with the flock hens. Doesn't mean they will be aggressive.

That's normal, new cockerels start to test there boundaries with the flock hens. Doesn't mean they will be aggressive.

Sorry to jump in here, but what is considered aggressive towards their mom (me)? I have a couple the same age and want to know how to interpret their behavior (to the best of my ability).

 

[RubelliteRose]

Sorry to jump in here, but what is considered aggressive towards their mom (me)? I have a couple the same age and want to know how to interpret their behavior (to the best of my ability).

Other than the obvious of making aggressive physical contact, one thing we watch for is following like a stalker, not following like "hey mom, do you have any snacks?" Are there any behaviors that you are particularly concerned about?

 

[Tumbleweedlynn]

Other than the obvious of making aggressive physical contact, one thing we watch for is following like a stalker, not following like "hey mom, do you have any snacks?" Are there any behaviors that you are particularly concerned about?

Welll, today I was in the run sitting on my bench and there was one pullet in the run (my flock is 21). One of my 19 wk old cockerels came out and started following her around aggressively, and she came to me. I was holding her on my lap when a second (alpha) cockerel came out of the coop. The both jumped up on the bench and got really close to me (my face). The alpha kinda had his wings fluffed up and not flush against his body. It was a weird vibe. Sorry to poke into your thread

 

[RubelliteRose]

Sorry to poke into your thread

Not a problem! I'm still fairly new to cockerels and learning about their behavior too
I would keep a close eye on those two. None of our boys continue to pursue a girl once she has reached the sanctuary of a human.
Love your run! We currently have 21 chickens also

 

[Tumbleweedlynn]

Not a problem! I'm still fairly new to cockerels and learning about their behavior too
I would keep a close eye on those two. None of our boys continue to pursue a girl once she has reached the sanctuary of a human.
Love your run! We currently have 21 chickens also

We have a lot of things in common here- I’m taking now 9 cockerels to a poultry swap this weekend also. Just waiting for my first eggs! Have you gotten any yet?