Do I want a rooster?

[Southernbelle]

If the roos were raised together, that helps. I've had 2 roos in the same pen before, usually they work it out who is the dominant one and the dominant one is the one who gets the hens and the lesser roo, just gets to live there. One day, the submissive roo decided he was done being submissive and had a knock-down drag-out fight with the dominant roo. I stepped in and seperated them and maintained them in seperate pens from then on. So, in your case, it may work out fine, but I'd just let them be together for now and when they're older decide which one fits best with your flock and go from there.

On the other hand, I've had as many as 9 roosters and cockrels living together without any fights or problems. The trick to that was they were no hens, so nothing to fight over and they got along perfectly (until they were all eaten by a fox.)

 

[gritsar]

In my case, two cockerels raised together one was very dominant and one was very submissive. They got along fine. Every once in awhile Thor (the sub.) would try to sneak in a mating and he would get knocked off the hen and chased by the alpha. No knock down drag out fights though.
As babies and before I knew any better, I handled the alpha all the time. I learned better. I reformed him when he got aggressive, but later re-homed him for reasons unrelated to his earlier aggression.
Thor was curious about humans from day one, but has never liked being handled. Now as my only roo, he's still curious about humans. He comes running when I call the girls for treats and will eat out of my hands. However, when treats aren't involved he steers clear of me and my family. When I need to handle him I do so by going in the coop and getting him after dark. He's calm in my arms, but you can tell he would rather be anywhere else than in my arms. He's the perfect roo in my book.

 

[allisojo]

I think you'll find lots of varying opinions on this forum as to whether it's good to keep roos. Because I have two little kids, (children, not goats), I felt compelled to say that you should do some research on keeping a rooster if children will have access to the run and/or coop. If that won't be an issue, then please disregard. Roosters have their definite pros and some cons as well. Thanks a lot and good luck!

 

[m2wandc]

How would you 'reform' (curious) because if you THINK you have all females and you are handling them a lot in hopes they will be human friendly...then oops you find out one is a roo....how do you take all that lov'n back???




I should mention years ago we had a VERY AGRESSIVE and protective turkey over his little female...and that was a bit scary, a rooster is MUCH SMALLER, but still could be scary I imagine if they challenge you???

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
You can read my BYC page on how I put Zeus thru reform school.

 

[DiVon80]

Quote:
I have a totally different philosophy on roosters. A rooster that "dances around you" is trying to get you in line. He'll dance around the hens for the same reason. It means he thinks he's your superior. I don't tolerate it from my rooster. The first time he danced around me he'd be picking pieces of his rearend up all across the yard.
Also, of the two roosters I had I handled one all the time as a baby. He grew up without fear of me and started to challenge me as he matured. I broke him of it, but still. My current rooster is excellent with both chickens and people. He was never handled as a baby and has a slight fear of humans. I prefer him that way.

I agree. I don't handle my roos as babies. I want them to be a little afraid of me so they don't challenge me as adults.

Goog point! I am raising a Dorking and Whyandotte roos. I do not handle them. When they get older they will have there own pens. I agree that if they have a fear of you. I have always had bantams,and a cochin roo he was very friendly.