Disrespectful Rooster

[berryncherry]

Maybe I should change the name to "Poor Rooster just wanted to Mate"

 

[LaFleche]

Good news! Now, he's starting to do the rooster dance! Whenever he does it, though, the hens just think he's weird and pecks at him.

Dancing alone is not enough, he still has to prove himself to be a good provider, finding treats and handing them over to the hens etc. He has to accompany them to the nest boxes, show them the best places to put their eggs and lead them back to the flock after laying.
Alongtheway watching out for predators and defending his flock if need be.

 

[berryncherry]

Dancing alone is not enough, he still has to prove himself to be a good provider, finding treats and handing them over to the hens etc. He has to accompany them to the nest boxes, show them the best places to put their eggs and lead them back to the flock after laying.
Alongtheway watching out for predators and defending his flock if need be.

He just acts like a normal hen other than the fact that he crows and mates. I didn't know roosters had to prove themselves in this many ways. I hope he will learn to!

 

[RainbowHen]

He just acts like a normal hen other than the fact that he crows and mates. I didn't know roosters had to prove themselves in this many ways. I hope he will learn to!

A good rooster is worth his weight in gold. Hope he measures up for your girls!

 

[LaFleche]

He just acts like a normal hen other than the fact that he crows and mates. I didn't know roosters had to prove themselves in this many ways. I hope he will learn to!

A good rooster has a very busy schedule. The 'dance' is a good sign, but your cockerel still has and needs time to mature. As there is no adult rooster to show him the ropes, he might just need a bit longer to find out by himself.

For instance will he protect a broody hen and her nest, visiting her several times a day to make sure she is alright. When the chicks hatch, he will stay with the broody for longer periods of time right beside the nest cooing to encourage them. After hatching, he will feed the chicks and warm them, as well as protecting them against any threat. He will not allow the other hens to pick the chicks, chase them away from the feed or display any antisocial behaviour against them.

 

[notherearenttoomany]

A good rooster has a very busy schedule. The 'dance' is a good sign, but your cockerel still has and needs time to mature. As there is no adult rooster to show him the ropes, he might just need a bit longer to find out by himself.

For instance will he protect a broody hen and her nest, visiting her several times a day to make sure she is alright. When the chicks hatch, he will stay with the broody for longer periods of time right beside the nest cooing to encourage them. After hatching, he will feed the chicks and warm them, as well as protecting them against any threat. He will not allow the other hens to pick the chicks, chase them away from the feed or display any antisocial behaviour against them.

This has been a very informative thread for me, but I have a few questions. Will the rooster learn manners on his own over time? Is the protection of a broody hen and later, hatched chicks, instinctive? I wonder how I’ll know if he’s a “good” rooster?
Note: I have had two med/small hens for a few years and added 14 chicks of mixed varieties, all similar size (barred Rock, australorp, EE, and some mystery mixes). One of the young ones is a cockerel—he’s an unknown silkie mix but certainly larger than all the hens. I’m keeping my 2 smaller hens separate from him bc he’s far too big and tough when mating them, and they had taken to hiding on the roost all day. Since he’s not exposed to or corrected by any mature, experienced hens, will he learn his manners from the same age flock he spends the day with? It’s my first experience with a rooster or a flock more than 8 and there’s much to learn in their care!

 

[LaFleche]

From my experience of more than 20 years with chicken I can say that not all cockerels will be good roosters regardless of breeds or adults teaching them some manners.
It depends a lot on the individual, his natural instincts, social abilities, possible hormonal overflow etc.

If there are adults to set boundaries to an overly hormonal and aggressive youngster, this might prevent severe injuries, malnourishment and susceptibility to diseases.

But if some hens/pullets already start to hide in the coop for fear of being harassed and chased down by the cockerel, I would think it is time to separate him until he mellows down.

Do you really want a rooster in your first flock? You may want to reconsider and maybe wait until you have gained some more experience with chicken keeping. Maybe next year might be a better time.

 

[notherearenttoomany]

From my experience of more than 20 years with chicken I can say that not all cockerels will be good roosters regardless of breeds or adults teaching them some manners.
It depends a lot on the individual, his natural instincts, social abilities, possible hormonal overflow etc.

If there are adults to set boundaries to an overly hormonal and aggressive youngster, this might prevent severe injuries, malnourishment and susceptibility to diseases.

But if some hens/pullets already start to hide in the coop for fear of being harassed and chased down by the cockerel, I would think it is time to separate him until he mellows down.

Do you really want a rooster in your first flock? You may want to reconsider and maybe wait until you have gained some more experience with chicken keeping. Maybe next year might be a better time.

This is great info. I learn a lot on this site; and thanks to what I’ve learned and read, I’m working to separate the cockerel.

I wasn’t clear on my original reply here—we’re going on five years of chicken keeping. Not a pro, but enjoying increasing our flock. Since we are home more than ever, allowing us to oversee the integration of our existing flock with the chicks we raised, it’s a great time for us to learn how to have a rooster in the flock. So far, he’s friendly with my kids and pets, we have lots of space, our neighbors are completely on board, and we think he’s awesome. For us, the benefits of having a rooster make the learning curve worth tackling. I’m thankful for the wealth of knowledge here so I can learn what I need to learn for a healthy, happy flock.

Since I am working to separate him, I do have some follow up questions: what are some things I can look for to know he’s ready to reintegrate with the flock? Is there an approximate age that most roosters’ hormones settle?

Thanks so much! We are enjoying the learning experience!

 

[LaFleche]

we’re going on five years of chicken keeping. Not a pro, but enjoying increasing our flock. Since we are home more than ever, allowing us to oversee the integration of our existing flock with the chicks we raised, it’s a great time for us to learn how to have a rooster in the flock. So far, he’s friendly with my kids and pets, we have lots of space, our neighbors are completely on board, and we think he’s awesome

You are right, this paints a completely different picture. As it seems you have ideal conditions and given some separate time he will hopefully mellow while maturing.

There is no specific age and time to reintegrate, but depending on breed and individual character about 8-12 month should be worth trying.
It is important that the pullets will have reached maturity and start laying when reintegrating the cockerel, so they will not be freaked out and clueless but appreciate his attention.

Just observe him interact with the hens and pullets through the fence, is he dancing, tid-bitting and trying to lure them near him without getting too excited? These would be good signs.

 

[BunnyEberhart]

I put my girls in saddles to protect them from my EE. You can get them on line. They don't cost much.