Cull the eight week old roo or not?

[Mrs. K]

Do you have older hens? I think older hens raise the best roosters. Something in the pen IS bigger than he is, and will thump some manners into him. I have gotten good roosters raised in a true chicken multi-generational society. Not in a flock of just hatch mates, where as the rooster chicks out grew the pullets.

Don't make a pet of him, give him a mock chase or two every so often. He should think you bring good things to eat, but be a little wary of you at the same time.

Mrs K

 

[Zigmont]

Thank you everyone! I’m such a baby, that I don’t know if I could eat him! I’m going to give him a try.

I’ve been reading about training roo, but the articles are so contradictory, it makes your head spin! Hold them, don’t hold them! Use your foot to push them away, don’t use your foot! feed them treats with your flock, don’t feed them with your flock!

The only thing I know worked for my last one, was I would pin him and carry him around when he would come at me, and he quite trying after awhile. Unfortunately, he attacked everyone else!

 

[Zigmont]

Do you have older hens? I think older hens raise the best roosters. Something in the pen IS bigger than he is, and will thump some manners into him. I have gotten good roosters raised in a true chicken multi-generational society. Not in a flock of just hatch mates, where as the rooster chicks out grew the pullets.

Don't make a pet of him, give him a mock chase or two every so often. He should think you bring good things to eat, but be a little wary of you at the same time.

Mrs K

I do have three older hens, who may thump him, but I worry he will hurt them, when he’s bigger than they are. One is pretty fragile and has a tough time getting around. She is seven. Another one is nine.

 

[ShrekDawg]

I do have three older hens, who may thump him, but I worry he will hurt them, when he’s bigger than they are. One is pretty fragile and has a tough time getting around. She is seven. Another one is nine.

Oh wow those are some old hens! You must be doing something right.

Totally understand the concern!!

That said, I have a 6 month old cockerel and he is HUGE yet still terrified of the ladies

He’s finally starting to come around but they don’t put up with any shit from him LOL

Not that he really give any, he’s a good boy, but they definitely let him know who’s boss!

So point being, I think your hens will defend themselves! And especially if he is placed with them early on, he will learn. Mine didn’t move in till he was older but they still teach him.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Oh and if you really don’t want him and don’t want to eat him, you could always try Craigslist too!!! I know a lot of people say no one wants roosters or it’s hard to find them homes or whatever but I found homes for all 4 of mine within minutes lol might not be the same for everybody but you might be surprised. Especially with how beautiful he is.

 

[Zigmont]

Oh and if you really don’t want him and don’t want to eat him, you could always try Craigslist too!!! I know a lot of people say no one wants roosters or it’s hard to find them homes or whatever but I found homes for all 4 of mine within minutes lol might not be the same for everybody but you might be surprised. Especially with how beautiful he is.

Thank you! I hadn’t thought of that!

 

[Zigmont]

Oh wow those are some old hens! You must be doing something right.

Totally understand the concern!!

That said, I have a 6 month old cockerel and he is HUGE yet still terrified of the ladies

He’s finally starting to come around but they don’t put up with any shit from him LOL

Not that he really give any, he’s a good boy, but they definitely let him know who’s boss!

So point being, I think your hens will defend themselves! And especially if he is placed with them early on, he will learn. Mine didn’t move in till he was older but they still teach him.

Thank you! I’m going to give him a try. We don’t have any children around anymore, they’re all grown, so it’s just my husband I’ll need to protect! If he doesn’t work out, I’ll either try Craigslist, or just Hubby take care of him.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Do you have older hens? I think older hens raise the best roosters. Something in the pen IS bigger than he is, and will thump some manners into him. I have gotten good roosters raised in a true chicken multi-generational society. Not in a flock of just hatch mates, where as the rooster chicks out grew the pullets.

Don't make a pet of him, give him a mock chase or two every so often. He should think you bring good things to eat, but be a little wary of you at the same time.

Mrs K

I never chase my roosters, that'll just trigger bad behavior later on, & may cause them to attack you rather then avoid you.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Thank you! I hadn’t thought of that!

No problem!!

 

[ShrekDawg]

Thank you! I’m going to give him a try. We don’t have any children around anymore, they’re all grown, so it’s just my husband I’ll need to protect! If he doesn’t work out, I’ll either try Craigslist, or just Hubby take care of him.

Glad you’re giving him a chance!!

I hope it works out!!!

I was nervous to have a rooster but my boy that I have now is amazing.

I hope yours is too!!