How do I get two roosters to share a new coop?

[Anon112]

So, with that said, here is my plan: I will put four of the Producers Pride Poultry pens together (which I have). I will have an enclosed coop at each end, with a run in the middle for each coop, so two sections for two groups of chickens. Each will have its own auto door. Now the two groups of chickens have a nicer, bigger, and more secure coop/run than they do now, AND it will make it easier on me as well.

Sounds like a great solution! I think having two run/coop sections is a great set-up.

Like I wrote earlier, I think that being in separate runs but seeing each other all the time really helped my two roosters chill out toward each other. (No guarantees, naturally, for any other roosters).

 

[Anon112]

Also, if people seemed a little intense, it's partly because roosters who seemingly get along well (with a few hiccups) while free ranging can get really brutal when confined to a smaller space/coop. Having to be in each others' space + no way to escape for the less dominant can turn bloody, and it's awful to think about a bird being basically beaten to death because he can't escape to de-escalate the situation.

While it didn't result in a fatality, I once (years ago) put two roosters together in a space because I was experimenting with ways to reduce the sound of their crowing carrying. They'd always gotten along just fine, but being stuck together resulted in a bad brawl. It's something I'd never have imagined based on their behavior toward each other day-to-day. Thankfully no super serious injuries, but never again.

 

[SilverChic]

Sounds like a great solution! I think having two run/coop sections is a great set-up.

Like I wrote earlier, I think that being in separate runs but seeing each other all the time really helped my two roosters chill out toward each other. (No guarantees, naturally, for any other roosters).

Thanks! Agreed.

 

[SilverChic]

Also, if people seemed a little intense, it's partly because roosters who seemingly get along well (with a few hiccups) while free ranging can get really brutal when confined to a smaller space/coop. Having to be in each others' space + no way to escape for the less dominant can turn bloody, and it's awful to think about a bird being basically beaten to death because he can't escape to de-escalate the situation.

While it didn't result in a fatality, I once (years ago) put two roosters together in a space because I was experimenting with ways to reduce the sound of their crowing carrying. They'd always gotten along just fine, but being stuck together resulted in a bad brawl. It's something I'd never have imagined based on their behavior toward each other day-to-day. Thankfully no super serious injuries, but never again.

Thank you for this response. No worries, I get it. I like to clarify, cause sometimes what I say doesn't come out the way I mean it to or doesn't make sense. When I did the test run of the new coop, I made sure all the doors were open, just in case an escape was needed, walked them in with feed, and stepped back. Big Boy was inside when Dewy started to come in, and Big Boy went running toward Dewy. Dewy got out fast, and there was no contact, thank goodness. The pursuit ended as soon as Dewy was out of the pen. That's when I knew this might not work. I've never had two roosters at the same time before, so I needed some guidance.

 

[Mrs. K]

I love it when people solve the problem and not just wish they would all be nice.

 

[SilverChic]

I love it when people solve the problem and not just wish they would all be nice.

 

[SilverChic]

Thanks! I wasn't raised on wishes, just reality and many years of life's lessons learned the hard way, you could say.

 

[SilverChic]

Alright, another update: a Small coop section added at one end for Big Boy and his three ladies, and another run added. All that is left is adding wire mesh and no-dig around the coop area, and putting the roof tarp on. Side note: I made the new coop area half the size of the bigger one (8x4), two reasons: small flock will use this area (one rooster, three hens) will use that space, and it's bigger than what they have now, and the other reason is that I could use that area as a brooder or isolation pen later if needed. Goal: complete today to get everyone moved in by Christmas! I think that would be a nice gift for my flocks! I'll post pictures when it's totally complete. Thanks again, everyone, for your suggestions and thoughts. God Bless and Merry Christmas.

 

[McChooky]

I'll have to put a zip tie on the leg of the cockerel I'm keeping so I don't give him away accidentally .My rooster has stopped trying to flog me since I started spraying him in the face with vinegar water. I'm sure he still hates me but he gladly ignores me now.He knows I'll spray him if he does it again.I don't like keeping a rooster I don't trust

 

[SilverChic]

I'll have to put a zip tie on the leg of the cockerel I'm keeping so I don't give him away accidentally .My rooster has stopped trying to flog me since I started spraying him in the face with vinegar water. I'm sure he still hates me but he gladly ignores me now.He knows I'll spray him if he does it again.I don't like keeping a rooster I don't trust

Good tip to remember, thanks!