First rooster, need advice.

[Gopeckgo]

I too have a new rooster, 16 weeks, name Cheeky. He was supposed to be be a she. He has a strange cockadoodledoo that sounds almost like a dog. My neighbors said they are fine with it but they are not permitted in the city. He is a gentle weyendotte. I have a broody austrolorp and thought maybe I could give chicks a go, but then what would I do with them since I can’t have more than 6 chickens? This is a bad idea isn’t it?

 

[3KillerBs]

I have a broody austrolorp and thought maybe I could give chicks a go, but then what would I do with them since I can’t have more than 6 chickens? This is a bad idea isn’t it?

Unfortunately, in that situation, yes, it probably is a bad idea.

 

[Mrs. K]

To the OP - things to be aware of, often time people post on here where the darling became the nightmare in an instant - but most likely people were not picking up on the signals of aggression.

Beware of:

• incessant crowing when you come around
• jumping up on something when you come around - he is trying to make himself as big as you.
• No fear of humans - he loves to be petted and comes forward into your space for attention. This is so counter intuitive, puppies and kittens that are played with generally turn into lovely pets, but not so with roosters. If a rooster does not respect your space, often times he will turn aggressive
• stink eye - they glare at you
• sneaking around behind you - they are trying to get brave enough to sneak in an attack

Good signs

• They do not get wild or excited, but just casually move away from you about 6 feet
• They tidbit for the hens
• They are aware of their surroundings, and keep their hens together
• They make different calls for predators
• They wing dance

Do not make excuses, such as I wore the wrong color, or he thought I was hurting his hens, I startled him...

An old chicken keeper told me you get the best roosters with a sharp knife, and you cull the rotten ones.

Mrs K