Cockerel living situation

[Purlsnponies]

Hi all! I'm a new chicken mom - my first little flock of 8 is 4 months old. I've ended up with 2 cockerels. One has been a bully from the start, I even had to remove him from the brooder early because he was harassing the others. He pecks the pullets on the head when they're eating and chases and corners the other cockerel.

My main open air coop is 12x12 with a 12x8 run. When I realized I had two males, I decided to build them a bachelor coop - so that 12x8 open air coop/run combo will be done this week. I eventually hope to add strands of electric on the field fence surrounding the coops so that they can free range during the day, but we're not there yet.

I was going to put the cockerels together in the new 12x8.. but after watching the one run and fly and try his darndest to get away from the bully, I'm not sure. Should I put just the bully cockerel in there by himself? Or is a solitary life not good for chickens? (I know he should go in the soup pot, but he's a handsome guy and I have the space/patience for now....)

 

[CluckerFamily]

I think it takes some time to wrap your mind around putting a rooster in the pot. A solitary life isn't ideal, it is always recommended to have multiple chickens together.
Good luck in your decision and what you are comfortable with.

 

[Purlsnponies]

I think it takes some time to wrap your mind around putting a rooster in the pot. A solitary life isn't ideal, it is always recommended to have multiple chickens together.
Good luck in your decision and what you are comfortable with.

Thanks for your insight - I appreciate it!

 

[Alaskan]

If they can see each other, it won't truly be solitary... they will be able to talk to each other as well.

So, if in your situation putting only 1 male in the new coop works best for flock dynamics, go for it.

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

Hi all! I'm a new chicken mom - my first little flock of 8 is 4 months old. I've ended up with 2 cockerels. One has been a bully from the start, I even had to remove him from the brooder early because he was harassing the others. He pecks the pullets on the head when they're eating and chases and corners the other cockerel.

My main open air coop is 12x12 with a 12x8 run. When I realized I had two males, I decided to build them a bachelor coop - so that 12x8 open air coop/run combo will be done this week. I eventually hope to add strands of electric on the field fence surrounding the coops so that they can free range during the day, but we're not there yet.

I was going to put the cockerels together in the new 12x8.. but after watching the one run and fly and try his darndest to get away from the bully, I'm not sure. Should I put just the bully cockerel in there by himself? Or is a solitary life not good for chickens? (I know he should go in the soup pot, but he's a handsome guy and I have the space/patience for now....)

I love how industrious and dedicated you are! We keep bothering rooster bachelor pad amd roosters in with the hens. I suspect that there is a difference in mentality between the “flock master” with his hens vs the bachelor group. When there are hens around, a cockerel or rooster tends to be more domineering and likely to fight for control of the flock. With the bachelor group, there are certainly dominance fights and one alpha, but I think it’s all toned down, and they are more likely to work things out with each other away from the hens. So, you might put both boys in the new coop together, block view of the hens if needed, and see if they can work it out. Good luck!

 

[Purlsnponies]

If they can see each other, it won't truly be solitary... they will be able to talk to each other as well.

So, if in your situation putting only 1 male in the new coop works best for flock dynamics, go for it.

Thank you for your thoughts! He wouldn't be far at all from the main flock, could definitely see them.

I may try this first, and see how it goes. Was a bit tempted to put a few of the pullets in with him, but am worried he'd be too hard on them. So, we'll see!

 

[Purlsnponies]

I love how industrious and dedicated you are! We keep bothering rooster bachelor pad amd roosters in with the hens. I suspect that there is a difference in mentality between the “flock master” with his hens vs the bachelor group. When there are hens around, a cockerel or rooster tends to be more domineering and likely to fight for control of the flock. With the bachelor group, there are certainly dominance fights and one alpha, but I think it’s all toned down, and they are more likely to work things out with each other away from the hens. So, you might put both boys in the new coop together, block view of the hens if needed, and see if they can work it out. Good luck!

That makes a lot of sense - thank you! Good to know there are multiple options. I appreciate you sharing your experiences!

 

[Purlsnponies]

Shimmie's new digs are almost done! Still need to build a shutter for that back window. Total overkill if it's just going to be one cockerel, but I guess that gives me options for the future, haha! (All covered with 1/2" hardware cloth, with an apron)

 

[Granitestater]

How are the cockerzls doing now? My boys now 21 mos. old have become less aggressive sha!l we say. They change with time as the testosterone lessens. They still hold their own w the younger roos and jump the girls a times (not like last year) but have mellowed and the girls prefer to be w them than the younger boys. They are a joy as they age in my case. Still watch the skies for birds of prey.

 

[Purlsnponies]

How are the cockerzls doing now? My boys now 21 mos. old have become less aggressive sha!l we say. They change with time as the testosterone lessens. They still hold their own w the younger roos and jump the girls a times (not like last year) but have mellowed and the girls prefer to be w them than the younger boys. They are a joy as they age in my case. Still watch the skies for birds of prey.

More mellow roosters sounds wonderful! I'll stay hopeful. They sure are fun to look at, those handsome boys!