Hold up...I’m a Man!

[Flip-N-Flogging]

Currently, I have an established flock. I also have new pullets and a little cockerel who have slowly been getting to know the big birds.

Its been a long while since I’ve seen a rooster grow from a chick, and was just beginning to try and remember when a rooster starts to act like a rooster. Then, I noticed, our little cockerel holding his ground through the partion fence yesterday evening, showing a sudden act of no fear towards the big hens.

So, I guess I’m looking for a general idea of when dominance begins to really kick in, and at what point this little guy will really become the leader of the pack. He’s currently pushing three months old, but is definitely still out weighed by his elders, who don’t much care for sass.

 

[Ridgerunner]

In my experience it really varies. In a flock with no mature rooster I've had a cockerel pretty much take charge at 15 weeks, a bit older than yours. Only once at that age. I've had some try at 12 weeks but they were not successful with hens. I've also had a cockerel not totally take over the flock until he was 11 months old. The dominant hen refused to submit to him although the others pretty much all would. The dominant hen would knock him off if he tried to mate another hen in her vicinity. Eventually he beat her up for a couple of days until she accepted his dominance then they became good buddies but it took him 11 months to work up the courage. Most of my cockerels hit that stage around 7 to 8 months but it can really vary. I prefer those that start early, I think they make the best flock masters.

I also hold the hens responsible. Some hens will squat for practically anything in spurs but many mature hens expect a male to WOW! them with his self-confidence and magnificence, find then treats, dance for them, keep peace in the flock, and stay on guard for danger. In other words act like a good father for their chicks. A part of when he takes over and how peaceful that process is depends a lot on the individual hens.

I've also noticed that size is not that important a criteria. It's pretty common for a bantam to me the dominant chicken in a mixed size flock. That could be the dominant hen in an all-female flock or the dominant rooster in a mixed flock. It's not the size of the chicken in the fight, it is the size of the fight in the chicken.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Usually a flock with no dominant rooster,he will probably be acting very dominant and more like a roo around five months.Home hatched seem to mature early and may start showing signs much earlier,about four months.

A flock with more then two roosters may cause subordinate ones to mature later,or maybe neevr even crow,or crow not as often.Depending on the bird,the rooster probably will be mating and carrying in around six or five months.Usually most dominant will have rights to everything,while any male below him must’ve sneaky about all of its moves,eat last,drink last,mate last,and get beat for anything and better not crow in the presence of the top male.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Hens also play a role.I have noticed size and intimidation play a role.I have an almost two year old Cochin bantam who wouldn’t fight the hens,he tries dominating but it’s rare it works.It took him a while but most the hen sare submissive,while as two of my New Hampshire’s which may I mind you are huge,will deny all his offers.Even if he is running at full speed at them getting ready to mate,she will turn around and stand her ground.I had a black sexlink hen who was the same way.She often only fought him over feed.She was the most dominant hen I ever had.She acted a rooster herself.However,a fair amount of my hens can be scared off from intimidation,which is what he used as his power to get close to the top.Just simply running at them and soem wing dancing.

 

[Flip-N-Flogging]

Yeah, I’m curious. We don’t have a rooster anymore as of a couple months ago. The ladies are pretty tough, but they have been with a rooster, so they know the scoop, and with what I’m seeing, I’ll say this little boy will make a fine rooster and hopefully fit right in.

 

[Chickassan]

It was six months before mine even attempted to woo anyone and he picked the biggest meanest hen so the rest fell in line. I added a new pullet shortly after he "matured" and she won't put out for beans, she actually fought him like a man. He eventually won her but she molted and he was right back to square one and he's still there at a year old lol! So it just depends on the members of your flock and your boy as to how his luck turns out.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Actually some will force mate if very necessary because soem hens just won’t get flattered.

 

[aart]

I saw a 2wo cockerel posture and peck at hen thru the fence the other day.

 

[Flip-N-Flogging]

So the little fella is definitely the stud muffin amongst the younger crew of ladies. He’s the head honcho, he does a good job already of getting the ladies to go where he wants and is pretty good already at a young age of sounding the alarm if there’s something going on he doesn’t agree with.

But, it is absolutely with the younger crew of ladies only. The older girls could care less about him, he’s just another young bird in the way at this point. If he’s close they pick at him, if they want him gone they absolutely let him know. He’s almost the one they go after most.

It’s funny, I know my older girls are tough, and this is no surprise in all reality, but they sure are gonna make him work for it. In all honesty, it makes me happy too.

I’ve had experience in years past with roos raised by hens, and have heard the best rooster is just that. The last rooster we had knew no respect, and one I got as an older bird and raised in condition unknown. So I’m happy to see the girls giving him a hard time.

We’ll see how it all works out, as the dynamic is not only him, but five pullets as well coming into the mix, so we have a pecking order yet to be established in general let alone a rooster to show his way.

He’s really coming into his own with his looks. He’s hard to snap a picture of, but I’ll post him up once I get the chance.

 

[Flip-N-Flogging]

I was finally able to grab a couple pictures of the new roo...