Hens or Roosters?

[GotChicken?]

Well, if you have the room and enough hens to go around, then keep them. My personal opinion is that roosters are not only fertilizers of the eggs, but the daytime protectors of the flock. As long as they're not viciously attacking other chickens, being viciously attacked themselves, or attacking other animals and/or people (especially their owner!), it shouldn't be a major problem.

I currently have 3 Silkie chicks ( 9-11 weeks old) in the brooder, two of which are roosters. One minute they're bopping and chest thumping each other like maniacs, the next minute they're cuddling up to each other for a quick snooze.

Just remember that if you decide to keep them, when you introduce them to your other roosters make sure they are separate from but visible to each other so they have the opportunity to work things out before the actual physical introduction.

 

[Jennygirl76]

Ok. They are all in with the older roosters and hens and everyone is getting along very well. I kept them seperate for a couple days. I don't mind the having the xtra rooster, I just don't want to become attached and have to give it away. I had a beautiful NH red rooster that we raised last year, and my whole family loved. But, I had to find a new home for him, he continued to go after me everytime I was in the coop, and chase me as a ran into the house. I know that sounds funny but, if I didn't run he continued to kick at me. I felt so bad, but I just couldn't have that stress everytime I went in there. I guess it just goes along with chicken ownership. I will return the Black Australorp and keep the rest and just hope for the best.
I wouldn't be so worried, if I hadn't had that agressive Rooster, the two I have now are great. I really love this new group of chicks, they are so friendly they run over to me when I go into the coop and stay at my feet.

 

[Happy Chooks]

If it were me, I think I'd keep the black and get rid of the red. If the black one is an australorp, the roosters are supposed to be more docile. I'm new to this rooster business also, but just my thoughts.

 

[ilovebuffs]

Quote:
I would have to agree...I currently have two RIR roosters-my only roosters- and they both attack my son when he goes out to feed them...so, until I find another home for them, they are "hobbled". It seems to help. Haven't had a problem yet. I'm raising a batch of Buff Orpingtons and can see I have at least 3 roosters in that batch. I hear the BO are much more docile. Good luck with your decision

 

[eponagirl]

I'd wait too...I had a large Black Australorp pullet that I was very nervous about being a rooster....as she grew the others 2 I had caught up to her and now I can hardly tell them apart...I agree with the others to keep the Australorp if it is a rooster....they are really sweet birds!

 

[Jennygirl76]

I can actually bring them both back. He was very nice, and really cared for these chickens, so he doesn't mind. Like I said I just don't want another angry rooster. I always laughed when people would tell me they had a bad rooster, now I know what they mean.
Eponagirl, I see you are from CT, we live in Canterbury.

 

[chickluver:D]

yeah looks like the red and that one are roos