Cockerel?

[ValerieJ]

My cockerels stay with the flock, including the roosters and hens, while they grow, and I make decisions about them.
Any human aggression is a cull point, as are obvious conformation faults, as my keepers will be reproducing. It takes time, and development, to really see who's who out there.
I'd recommend an early cull, for early temperament issues, too small, or poor conformation. I'm not talking about SQ, but structural faults, that will matter in offspring.
Then maybe keep your best two, and see how they do over the winter.
Mary

If I keep both my cockerels with the pullets and hens the ratio will be off. I will have 10 pullets and hens, and 2 cockerels. I'm not sure it would work out. At least I will have both options. I can integrate and if it doesn't work I'll be ready to segregate. DH building a bachelor pad this week.

 

[Ted Brown]

Update Dec 30, 2019

I am close to certain that I have four cockerels? pictures of all four from today below.

Likely father of these was "Mario", a big beautiful black bird unfortunately lost to an owl strike. Someone above (?) said Australorp, definitely a possibility. Multiple mother options including Silkies.

 

[Ted Brown]

My cockerels stay with the flock, including the roosters and hens, while they grow, and I make decisions about them.
Any human aggression is a cull point, as are obvious conformation faults, as my keepers will be reproducing. It takes time, and development, to really see who's who out there.
I'd recommend an early cull, for early temperament issues, too small, or poor conformation. I'm not talking about SQ, but structural faults, that will matter in offspring.
Then maybe keep your best two, and see how they do over the winter.
Mary

Mary, what is "SQ"?

I assume your goal is that a "peaceful" hierarchy develops and fighting between males is a cull point? Thx.

 

[featheredplanets]

Update Dec 30, 2019

I am close to certain that I have four cockerels? pictures of all four from today below.

Likely father of these was "Mario", a big beautiful black bird unfortunately lost to an owl strike. Someone above (?) said Australorp, definitely a possibility.

View attachment 1990613 View attachment 1990614 View attachment 1990615 View attachment 1990616 View attachment 1990617 View attachment 1990618 View attachment 1990619 View attachment 1990620 View attachment 1990621

They’re cockerels. They have rust coming across the wings and bright pointed hackles.

 

[Folly's place]

SQ is short for 'show quality', nice, but not most important at all.
I have one coop, which can be sectioned off when doors are closed between different areas, but I do keep them as one flock, so cock birds who can't get along won't work here. I will rehome a nice bird if at all possible. Sometimes two birds won't agree to avoid conflict, and I have no plans to build separate coops and runs for them. It's wonderful if you can, but not here, at least not yet.
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

And those are very good looking boys!
Mary

 

[trudyg]

Just thinking ahead, but what about a chicken tractor for the bachelor pad? That way you can move them wherever is convenient and still keep an eye on them, maybe more like 3 days with the girls per visit. I'm hoping for chicks this spring, if bertha will oblige and sit on some eggs for me. My luck, they'll all be boys.