Cockerel unable to reach roost????

[Kfults]

we have a 14 week cockerel that can’t seem to get on the roosting bar with the pullets. I have a video feed camera and check in and spy on them. One evening I watched big red ( very large RIR) attempt to fly up to the second roosting bar ( we have a ladder type system with three bars made out of 2x4) he didn’t seem to have to ability to get up to the second bar and ended up sleeping on the lowest bar alone. He has since given up and is sleeping on top of the feed bucket. I guess it doesn’t matter, but just wondering if anyone has seen this? He is very large compared to the other RIR cockerels ( we gave away) we got from Tractor supply. He also seems to sit a lot while watching over the hens. Otherwise he is eating well and behaving normally and is beginning to crow and show rooster behaviors with the pullets. The pullets follow his lead in and out of the coup and he seems to be the man in charge. Any thoughts? Picture attached.

 

[BirdGirl2004]

Have you ever clipped his wings? That might be an issue. If so, he might just be lazy?? I think that he should be fine... as long as he is not getting picked on!

 

[Kfults]

Have you ever clipped his wings? That might be an issue. If so, he might just be lazy?? I think that he should be fine... as long as he is not getting picked on!

 

[Kfults]

No clipped wings, we have a 12x12 run with hardware cloth top.

 

[BirdGirl2004]

No clipped wings, we have a 12x12 run with hardware cloth top.

alright...hmmm. quite a puzzler
Like I said, he'll be fine but I'm not sure why he's alone?!?
I guess a loners gotta be alone...

 

[RWise]

I have a heavy rooster, he uses the ladders (rungs every 6") I put in for chicks. Of course the chicks do not use them, go figure, they can fly. Also my roosts start at 2, 4, 6, and the top at 8 feet, with mezzanines at 4 and 6 feet.

He may be to heavy to get that high, give him a ladder he can use, anyway that is what I would do,,,

 

[aart]

Tho growing cockerels can be clumsy, the fact that he can't navigate what the other birds are navigating, and spend a lot of time sitting, makes me think he may have a leg or health problem....or he may grow into himself yet.

Nothing wrong with him roosting low, but I'd not want him sleeping on the feed bucket...a large funnel set on top will dissuade that habit.

Pics of roosts might help offer a clue.