Cockerel help please…again!
Some background- I have two brother Pekin bantams who have been living together for 18 months, since they hatched. One was dominant but there were hardly any fights and the got along well.
They live with 4 adult hens, a 3 month old hen and a 3 month old cockerel, both hatched in the flock. They live in a large run but spend most of the time free ranging in a large garden. Also free ranging are another 2 5 month old cockerels and a hen. The older two brother cockerels are dominant to these but no real fighting. (The plan is to rehome all the other cockerels…)
The older two brothers have suddenly started fighting constantly. They have drawn a lot of blood and neither will really back down. This has been going on for a couple of days. I’ve separated them in the run but as soon as I let them both out into the garden the less dominant one seeks out the other and the fighting starts.
The main flock had been to a chicken sitter for 3 weeks while I was on holiday and the young 3 stayed at home in the run. The fighting started as soon as they were returned home.
Is it likely the brothers will ever settle down again? And how long should I leave them to fight it out?
Sorry this is so long! Thank you.
Some background- I have two brother Pekin bantams who have been living together for 18 months, since they hatched. One was dominant but there were hardly any fights and the got along well.
They live with 4 adult hens, a 3 month old hen and a 3 month old cockerel, both hatched in the flock. They live in a large run but spend most of the time free ranging in a large garden. Also free ranging are another 2 5 month old cockerels and a hen. The older two brother cockerels are dominant to these but no real fighting. (The plan is to rehome all the other cockerels…)
The older two brothers have suddenly started fighting constantly. They have drawn a lot of blood and neither will really back down. This has been going on for a couple of days. I’ve separated them in the run but as soon as I let them both out into the garden the less dominant one seeks out the other and the fighting starts.
The main flock had been to a chicken sitter for 3 weeks while I was on holiday and the young 3 stayed at home in the run. The fighting started as soon as they were returned home.
Is it likely the brothers will ever settle down again? And how long should I leave them to fight it out?
Sorry this is so long! Thank you.