Dominique Thread!

[Sylvester017]

OMG!!! I suspect I thought that might be the case but wanted more opinions. He does not crow but his behavior towards the hens and his "relationship" with my other rooster seem to point in that direction. I a funny sort of way that makes things better. I thought I was going to have to get rid of a hen but a rooster acting like a rooster is somehow better.

I originally did not want any roosters and ended up with Little Dude, the Andalusian rooster that really looks like every picture you have ever seen of a rooster. Tall, slim, massive cluster of sweeping tail feathers, comb to the sky and wattles to his knees. Norma, now Norman, never looked like a rooster. Maybe he was trying to hide the fact from Little Dude as a survival technique?

So, what do I do. That makes 2 roosters and 22 hens. The distribution seems to be o.k. but Norman and Little Dude seem to go after the same hens a lot of the time. I don't want a hen to be hurt by over breeding. I suppose I could rig a totally separate coop for Norman and move him in there with some hens of his own but I would hate to have to do that.

There coop is metal set in (not on) concrete about 10 x 12 with two runs, one about 100 sq ft and the other about 250 sq ft. Also, they free range several times a day on about an acre range they share with 24 ducks. So, the only time they are in close quarters is in the coop which they have free access to during the day and are all closed up in at night (chickens only, ducks have their own coop).

Any and all suggestions will be more than greatly appreciated.

Andalusians are a Mediterranean class and by nature are assertive sometimes downright aggressive class of fowl - the Meds include Leghorns, Minorcas, Black Spanish, Anconas, and of course Andalusians. Most Meds are smaller in size than most LF however they make up for it in extremely assertive behavior - cocks and hens alike. If I had to choose between a Mediterranean class and American class I'd go with the American Dom if I only wanted to keep one roo.

 

[jtn42248]

Andalusians are a Mediterranean class and by nature are assertive sometimes downright aggressive class of fowl - the Meds include Leghorns, Minorcas, Black Spanish, Anconas, and of course Andalusians. Most Meds are smaller in size than most LF however they make up for it in extremely assertive behavior - cocks and hens alike. If I had to choose between a Mediterranean class and American class I'd go with the American Dom if I only wanted to keep one roo.

I think we will try to co-exist with both roo's. Now that we know what is going on and that we don't have a psycho hen running rampant things all sort of make sense. There are plenty of hens to go around between the two of them and the Andalusian roo has, I think, already established the pecking order. The Andalusian has actually demonstrated far less aggressive behavior than the Dom but that could be because the Dom has been adjusting to his place in the flock. If things should get bad we have the space to establish a second coop and run just for the sake of peace.

 

[lazy gardener]

I've heard plenty of stories where 2 roos will peacefully co exist in one flock. They do a division of labor, where often the secondary roo helps the broodies to raise the chicks. One may excel with watching the sky, while, of course the other gets first dibs on breeding rights, but secondary roo steals some action also.

 

[PheasantsFirst]

I've had three roosters in a small flock without much of a problem, the old one, for me a silkie, claims his few favorite girls and the other rooster or roosters get the rest. If the roosters grew up together they should be fine

 

[Bantamlover1234]

Hi everyone!!! I have 4 dominiques at the moment and am planning to get a few more this week!!!

Here's a picture of my rooster, Charles:

We actually have 3 dominiques roosters and 1 female at the moment...oops... We are hoping to get a few hens from our neighbours tho

 

[lazy gardener]

Charles is a handsome boy.

 

[Bantamlover1234]

Thanks he is a lucky one too, gets to roam with all the hens in the yard

 

[Bantamlover1234]

Wow I forgot the pair of bantam dominiques I have....oops...so I have 6 dominiques at the moment...hopefully get a few more this week too!!!!

I swear, smiling is contagious when you spend time with your chickens

 

[Sylvester017]

I think we will try to co-exist with both roo's. Now that we know what is going on and that we don't have a psycho hen running rampant things all sort of make sense. There are plenty of hens to go around between the two of them and the Andalusian roo has, I think, already established the pecking order. The Andalusian has actually demonstrated far less aggressive behavior than the Dom but that could be because the Dom has been adjusting to his place in the flock. If things should get bad we have the space to establish a second coop and run just for the sake of peace.

That sounds like a wonderfully humane plan because so many beautiful roos are unwanted. We have an acquaintance who rescues unwanted roos and tries to find them pet homes so here's hoping the best for you!

 

[Sylvester017]

Here's a picture of my rooster, Charles:

I absolutely adore that U-shaped back on the hens and cocks. Even the old time turn-of-the-century photos show that beautiful type. I loved the Langshans for that U-back until I noticed the more personable and useful American Doms had that gorgeous shape!