Cockerel - Question One - Should he be separated from the pullets until he's a year old?

[mikehawk]

I have a new cockerel, he's just confirmed what I've been thinking in the last few days by crowing/warbling a crow, that he's a boy. He and his surviving sister hatched in early April in a kindergarten classroom, I got them 2 days later. They turned out to be leghorns. The same day I brought them home my wife went to our favorite feed store and bought six more chicks (a variety) to keep them company and re-fill our coop. He will be our first rooster. I'm about to be the neighbor I'd hate to have to live next to, one with a rooster, a hound, or a harley.
I've tried searching for specific questions on this site and haven't found exactly what I wanted to know. But while searching I did learn he can be dangerous to the pullets, should I wait and see if he's going to cause trouble or just separate him soon?

 

[AlleysChicks]

My leghorns are 13 weeks old and have been trying to mate the pullets with them for a couple weeks now. It's stressful to the pullets (and to me). If you have the room separate him. I don't have a extra pen at the moment so my boys are free ranging during the day.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I generally wait and see as each rooster is an individual. You will know by the pullets screaming if they need a break from him. I pen my young roosters in my shed so they are still participating, but can't cause chaos. Some don't need it, others need it for a short while, and still others are long term inmates.

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC @mikehawk!

The answer to many chicken questions is...'maybe', or 'depends'.

Depends on your goals with chickens....do you need a male?
If so, are they allowed where you live?
If so, follow @oldhenlikesdogs advice.

 

[mikehawk]

Thanks all. Wait and see is good for me.

 

[Mrs. K]

Set up now for a separation. Roosters are a crap shoot, some are a wonderful addition to the flock, some are a nightmare for pullets and/or the family. Check and make sure that you have a way to separate him immediately if the need arises. Have a sharp knife or another way to cull him if needed. Prep now, use as needed.

A fish net on a handle that is 4-5 feet is a great tool for catching a wild rooster.

 

[mikehawk]

Thanks for the info. Seperating isn't a problem. Catching him hasn't been hard either, he's pretty dumb.
Culling, something else I'll need to research.

 

[mikehawk]

Ah, kill it. Not a choice unfortunately. Wife raised since it was days old. Where we get feed and chick's will take him if it comes to that. Was my first choice as soon as I knew for sure he wouldn't lay eggs. Wife n daughter out voted me to try and raise chicks.

 

[aart]

Ah, kill it. Not a choice unfortunately. Wife raised since it was days old. Where we get feed and chick's will take him if it comes to that. Was my first choice as soon as I knew for sure he wouldn't lay eggs. Wife n daughter out voted me to try and raise chicks.

Culling means 'to remove'....but not necessarily killing.
Could be 'rehomed' for cash compensation or for free.

 

[toomuch]

What I've noticed my young roos don't like to mate with the pullets but with the older hens. I don't separate mind because they seem to get along and my young roos aren't attracted to the pullers yet.