Help with two roosters!

[kar0427]

In my hatchery order of all hens, I ended up with two roosters - one a barred rock, one a dark brahma. They were raised together and have always been kept together with no problem at all. They are 17 weeks old today. Early this evening, the BR attacked the brahma and the brahma immediately backed down, cowered in a corner. However, every time the brahma tries to leave the coop and enter the run, or anytime the BR sees him, he attacks again. No blood, no injuries - yet - just a terrified Brahma.
It was getting dark quickly, so I locked the brahma in the main part of the coop, and left the 14 hens and the BR roo in the run (it has a covered room to get in and food and water) for tonight. I have to work tomorrow morning.
Now what? Should I open the coop in the morning and let it just work itself out, keep them separated as they are until I get home tomorrow evening and can monitor? I really don't want to come home to a dying or dead brahma. I know there are no guarantees and it depends on the roosters, but does this usually work itself out? Thanks!

 

[Folly's place]

It might be okay, or it might not. You will probably have a happier flock with only one of them, and it may be time to see who you like better. It's too early to be sure about human aggression, although if either are showing any signs of it, he needs to be the one who leaves. My current group of chicks is about the same age, and the cockrels are being very disruptive. One boy tried me out today for the first time; he goes! My hens and pullets are less pleased with things every day, and it's time here to sort down to on or two boys out of twelve! Mary

 

[kar0427]

Mary, I guess I knew the answer but was just hoping someone would post "No problem! They'll get along fine after a few squabbles" because I'll have a hard time choosing now. The BR is probably the better roo for the girls (always alert, watching out for them) but I can see him being more aggressive as he ages, whereas the brahma is kind of a bumpkin, clumsy and worrying more about his food than the girls and no aggression. I guess that's why he got his butt kicked.
I didn't want either one, and now I want them both. The girls were disturbed by the ruckus (not as much as me, I'm sure). I'm enjoying having chickens more than I thought I would, but I didn't plan for it to go so wrong so fast after such harmony. These two guys were sleeping together and sharing food yesterday!

 

[kar0427]

One other note - I did put nest boxes up Sunday afternoon for the first time and have observed the BR mounting two hens. Is it possible this threw the dynamic of the flock off with it all being new, and they could settle down when used to it? (Yes, I'm grasping....).

 

[Folly's place]

If there aren't any actual injuries, you do have time to sort things out. I've had cocks who got along fine, and some who just didn't. It's very individual, but in general fewer boys makes for a more mellow group. I was hoping to keep mine another ten days or so, but right now I'm thinking that will be too long. Mary

 

[kar0427]

Not making you responsible for the decision if it goes wrong, but if you had them separated now and had to leave early for the day tomorrow, would you let the brahma back out early or keep him up until you got home to see what happens?

 

[Folly's place]

It's tough, because separating them won't make reintroductions easier. I would isolate the aggressor if you need to choose, rather than the submissive bird. Good luck! mary

 

[kar0427]

Thanks for your input. I think I'll sleep on it, 5a comes early...and maybe just take my chances with letting him out, go to work and worry about it all day lol. Since the brahma was already in the coop scared to come out, it was just easier to shut the door on him than chase him out and chase down the bully. I wish it had happened earlier but with dark coming on, I didn't have time to think (or post for advice!)

 

[chicapee]

I just moved both my 18 week old boys into a bachelor pad today. Everyone is much happier.