He or She?

[hillchicks]

Ok so he has now been crowing every morning, so I am sure he in a Roo. Now here is my question. My coop can only hold 6 chickens comfortably and I am not sure I want to take one of those spots with a Roo, additionally I have read all the horror stories about a unruly Roo. I have also read about the awesome attributes of a well mannered Roo. I assume I need to make a decision on keeping him soon though so I don’t disrupt the flock.

Is there any signs I should look for to tell if he will ne unruly?

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Looks like a Cockerel

 

[thebanthams]

Ok so he has now been crowing every morning, so I am sure he in a Roo. Now here is my question. My coop can only hold 6 chickens comfortably and I am not sure I want to take one of those spots with a Roo, additionally I have read all the horror stories about a unruly Roo. I have also read about the awesome attributes of a well mannered Roo. I assume I need to make a decision on keeping him soon though so I don’t disrupt the flock.

Is there any signs I should look for to tell if he will ne unruly?

Some rooster will do just fine . You never know when they will get very aggressive. it may never happen. You will know when You dont think its right !.

 

[hillchicks]

This weekend he started chasing the Hens and pecking at the backs of their heads, both in the Coop and when they were free ranging.

 

[donrae]

This weekend he started chasing the Hens and pecking at the backs of their heads, both in the Coop and when they were free ranging.

That's mating behavior. When they're young it's often kinda violent, with the roo chasing the pullet, grabbing the back of her head and trying to hold her still while he's trying to climb on. If she's not sure what to do, she often fights and makes a lot of noise. It can be unsettling to watch if you're not used to animals mating. Good news it, it usually gets better as they age and figure out what they're doing. The rooster will (hopefully) start to court the hen, he'll move sideways towards her and drop a wing down, this triggers her to crouch or squat down for him to mount her easier. He always holds on to the back of her head while mating. It's quick, then they both ruffle their feathers down and go about their other business.