Help me be realistic!! Should I keep him?

[goldie1234]

I am new to chickens this year. We ended up with 6 Roos and culled all but two. We just bought a straight run of purebred Ameraucanas and some CCL's (2-6 weeks old). We should end up with more 5-7 Roos. We also may get a few black copper Marans as a straight run.
I am only really set up to keep one Roos considering my space and number of chickens. I do have the ability to divide the coop/run but I want to reserve that for hatching, injury, introducing new members.
We have a black EE we are going to cull. The problem is I also have an EE Roo that I really like. Next year we may want to hatch a few to try it. if I were to keep one it probably shouldn't be this EE. I would probably be better served keeping a purebred right? I would rather cull now if I'm going to.

Which breed would be the best roo to keep? Between these Roos: BBS Ameraucanas, CCL, this EE, and probably black copper Marans

My hens: barred rock, BSL, white leghorn, 3 EE, JG, red star. I should end up with 5-7 BBS Ameraucanas, 3 CCL, and maybe some black copper Marans.

Here is the EE and can't decided about. He is about 17 weeks old:

 

[EmtheFishLady]

Keep the rooster you'll be most happy with.

What good is a rooster you don't enjoy?

If you want purebred chicks, keep a purebred roo. If that doesn't matter to you, then keep you EE.

 

[Folly's place]

I would consider keeping two of the cockrels for now; if one dies, or turns into a jerk, you have a backup available. Mary

 

[Mrs. K]

I am never in favor of keeping roosters the first year. I think you get a happier flock with just hens. People get experience handling birds, and pullets get to grow up without juvenile rooster harassment.

Next year, if you want to hatch chicks, roosters are easy to find.

Mrs.K

 

[Blooie]

x2 Experience will be a better teacher and advice-giver than any of us can be. Might I also add how wise it is to have already planned ahead for a separation area for any of those reasons you mentioned? This chicken lady didn't get her head together quite that fast and when she needed one she had to rush something together - a dog crate that was too small! Good thinking!

 

[chickmomma03]

Is there a reason you're buying straight run? I'd try to get my hands on already sexed chicks, especially with only being able to have 1 rooster. I bought already sexed and out of 14 only 2 turned out to be male, that's pretty good odds.

 

[aart]

Depends on your goals.
I assume you want to make Olive Eggers seeing that you've procured BCM, CCL and Ameraucanas.
If that is your goal, would keep a BCM roo.. or two. He can cover all your other blue egg layers and your marans girls.

Your cockerel adventures are just beginning with that 17 week old that you 'really like'....has he started harassing the pullets yet?
Advice given to not keep males in your first year is valid, as they can be challenging for the faint of heart.

It's good that you have one separate enclosure already, but I wonder.... how you are handling the integration of the younger birds?
Your 2-6 week olds are all in the split coop/run? ....... they can stay there until they are big enough to integrate into your existing flock.
But where will you put the marans chicks?

Is there a reason you're buying straight run? I'd try to get my hands on already sexed chicks, especially with only being able to have 1 rooster. I bought already sexed and out of 14 only 2 turned out to be male, that's pretty good odds.

Most pure breed birds are only available as straight run.....
......from hatcheries and especially from breeders(which is really the best place to get pure breeds after very careful vetting)

 

[chickmomma03]

Quote: *headsmack* I didn't even think about that.

 

[goldie1234]

Yes!! I got the first 5 from a feed store as sexed pullets. I wanted some good quality purebred and could only find straight runs. The older chicks will be in the separated area of the existing coop and run. I will keep the Marans (if they come through) separated until I intergrate the first two. I have a barn on my property and other options should I need extra time.
Good points on holding off on a rooster until next year. Hopefully the Marans will come through!
Thank you for the advise!

 

[goldie1234]

Ok! The deed is done. We processed our 2 Roos. I was a little sad at first, but it was the right thing. I will say, it is strangely quite in the coop. Hopefully the hens will start laying now. They look ready and they are about 21 weeks.