How do you pick which Rooster to keep?

[JanetLM]

My barred rock chicks are 3 1/2wks old and seems I have 2 pullets and 2 roosters. I have found someone to take one of the roosters since Im only going to have 4-6 hens I wont need both and my intentions were never to have any to begin with anyhow I just wanted eggs-no desire to breed or have chicks. So, now my question-- How do I choose which rooster to keep? What do I need to be watching for....they both seem to get along with the girls well, one is just a tad bit bigger then the other-like a fuller chest and seems alittle wider over all. I was thinking I would choose by which seems to be tamer?

All advise is welcome & wanted & appreciated. Thank you all very much!

 

[outlander]

Personally, I wait until they are much much older before I evaluate them. A few months old at least. I get a better idea of their temperament, which comes first in my selection criteria - barring any genetic or health related anomalies.

Everyone's experience with cockerels is different, and everyone's husbanding styles are as unique as fingerprints. That being said...in my unique set of circumstances, overly friendly/curious cockerels are no bueno as they tend to turn aggressive when hormones kick in. I look for those that keep a respectful distance, not skittish mind you - but respectful of who's at the top of the pecking order...that'd be me.

In addition to their relationship with me is their relationship with the hens, who they are meant to protect and serve. If I casually observe their behavior, I should notice one that doesn't hog the food right when it's put out...but instead keeps a sharp eye on his surroundings. At times I've noticed that the hens have a preference as well, choosing who they congregate and roost with.

Hopefully all these things are embodied in the cockerel I select as the keeper. If I have many hens, the runner-up gets to stay too as a back up.

Good luck

 

[donrae]

At this age, it's pretty much flipping a coin

You can't really see their personalities and how they'll be as adults.

My thought is, get rid of them both. If you didn't want a rooster to start with, get rid of them and get two more nice hens, and have double the eggs! Seriously, though, one rooster and two hens might get hard when he hits maturity and only has 2 hens to spread the lovin'. I don't know your background or set up, but chicken mating can be pretty distressing to folks who haven't experienced it before.

If you do decide to keep one, go for the more aloof bird. The tame ones are much more likely to become aggressive later. Roosters aren't wired to be submissive pets, they're intact male livestock and should be treated as such. You want respect from a rooster, not friendship.

 

[JanetLM]

Thank you very much for the advise. And getting rid of both has been in the back of my mind...I do plan on getting at least 2 if not 4 more hens but maybe not the same breed.

I have not been around chicken mating before. I have been doing alot of reading and research and it seems chickens are the same as goats as in nobody does it the same

 

[donrae]

A young cockerel and a young pullet trying to figure out how to mate nicely can involve a lot of screaming, chasing, etc. If you've got an animal background, not so distressing. If you've never been around animals much, it can be quite shocking.