Culling our first rooster??

[Hep44]

We just culled our first rooster because he was being aggressive towards the kids. I was wondering how/if that will change the group dynamic? We have one other rooster (a brahma) that is a lot more chill (I've heard them referred to as the "gentle giants"?) Should we watch out for him becoming more aggressive now? We only have 2 girls that are laying, the rest should be starting soon. Will this affect their laying habits at all?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You may see some hesitant or off behaviors. To the chickens one went missing, so they will become a bit more cautious usually for a bit. You may or may not see a halt in laying. Watch the remaining rooster. Hopefully he just ignores you.

 

[Mimi13]

Should we watch out for him becoming more aggressive now?

A rooster is the male of his species. Any male, (I’m speaking of livestock males: cows, horses, pigs, chickens, etc.) should always be watched, especially during breeding season. When hormones are high, males tend to sometimes change...and not always for the better.

Even though a rooster cannot trample you like a larger animal, they can still inflict damage, especially to a child.

I have one of the most chill roosters ever and I’m so very thankful. I’ve had my share of floggers! I give him no thought when it’s just me out and about in the yard. However, when my 4 yo grandson is here with me (he has been here ever since Rusty the Roo hatched) I always keep my eyes open. I do not think he would ever act up against my little side kick, but I’ll never say never.

 

[aart]

Should we watch out for him becoming more aggressive now?

Yes, tho, Brahma tend to mature more slowly than most other breeds.
Now that the dominant male is gone, he may well begin to assert his hormones.

Just went thru this, was kind of interesting to observe.
Had 3 cockerels, 2 were a team of terror, the 3rd was definitely low cock.
Once the 2 were gone the 3rd started crowing and his comb got bigger and he started 'misbehaving'. He's gone now too.

 

[Hep44]

Yes, tho, Brahma tend to mature more slowly than most other breeds.
Now that the dominant male is gone, he may well begin to assert his hormones.

Just went thru this, was kind of interesting to observe.
Had 3 cockerels, 2 were a team of terror, the 3rd was definitely low cock.
Once the 2 were gone the 3rd started crowing and his comb got bigger and he started 'misbehaving'. He's gone now too.

That's kinda what I wondered, we had 3 as well, but at about 2 months our dog got a hold of the dominant one and then this guy stepped up to the plate. He's always been kind of a jerk though, so I'm really hoping our brahma (that my 4 yr old very endearingly named "Poop" ) doesn't turn out like that as well.

 

[Mimi13]

so I'm really hoping our brahma (that my 4 yr old very endearingly named "Poop" ) doesn't turn out like that as well.

I love it! Only from the lips of a child!

Also, I just remembered about an old thread of mine dealing with my Sleeper Cell Cockerel. You might want to read it. It’s a very short thread, but has an excellent advice giver, @azygous. She always has wonderful answers.