How rough is too rough?

[Hayduke27]

So my two roosters are just about 14 weeks of age, and they are starting to experience "changes", including an attraction to the ladies. In the past 2 days, the hijinx has begun and become part of the daily routine. The boys are both sort of getting a feel for just what they are supposed to be doing, and between lack of balance and the general aggression of the act, a few feathers have gotten pulled out here and there. My big welsummer also got ahold of one RIR hen by the back feathers, and though he couldn't jump on from that position, he held her while she ran in circles squaking. I imagine that all of this is part of the learning curve for these guys and hens alike. I don't have intentions of getting rid of the roos, and so far there are no problems. I was just wondering how long it takes for the process to, well, get a bit smoother to say the least. Will this happen? How long might it take? The hens are free ranging and have plenty of space, and so far I am not worried about anything in particular. It's just hard to watch the bottom of the learning curve, as it seems painful for all parties involved!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

The pullets will stop resisting so much when they start laying and they will squat for the cockerel.

 

[wsmith]

So my two roosters are just about 14 weeks of age, and they are starting to experience "changes", including an attraction to the ladies. In the past 2 days, the hijinx has begun and become part of the daily routine. The boys are both sort of getting a feel for just what they are supposed to be doing, and between lack of balance and the general aggression of the act, a few feathers have gotten pulled out here and there. My big welsummer also got ahold of one RIR hen by the back feathers, and though he couldn't jump on from that position, he held her while she ran in circles squaking. I imagine that all of this is part of the learning curve for these guys and hens alike. I don't have intentions of getting rid of the roos, and so far there are no problems. I was just wondering how long it takes for the process to, well, get a bit smoother to say the least. Will this happen? How long might it take? The hens are free ranging and have plenty of space, and so far I am not worried about anything in particular. It's just hard to watch the bottom of the learning curve, as it seems painful for all parties involved!

Do you have any older roosters in your flock?

As the flock matures, your pullets will become more "cooperative", and the cockerels will get the hang of it. It may take a little while, so be patient. If you have just two immature cockerels in the flock be prepared for some serious sparring. One will become the dominant rooster. The girls that aren't ready for mating will soon learn to run away, and sometimes they will just ignore the rooster, and he will choose not to make an attempt. It all depends on the individual personality of each bird.

(Also, come visit us on the Colorado thread...https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/68894/colorado/16520#post_11651409 )

 

[Hayduke27]

Both cockerels are the same age, and just learning. One is a big Welsummer, the other is a little, tiny Golden Sebrite. The little rooster doesn't fear the big rooster, but he can't hold a candle to him. The bigger one routinely demonstrates that he gets whatever he wants by chasing the little rooster away from hens, roosts and food. The little rooster is far more aggressive and gets in a lot of scuffles with the hens (he loses 75% of the time because he's so little). The other hens even team up on him at times and get him cornered, just to keep him there and show him who's boss. A few even peck at him when he walks by. This doesn't mean he's submissive. He still thinks he's a boss, he just gets his butt kicked by almost everyone.

The bigger rooster is a good rooster. He's the one that watches out for the hens, breaks up the fights, etc. He's also very much the alpha bird, and everyone knows it.

Anyway, that's the scenario. One feisty little rooster, one calmer, bigger rooster. Both young and trying to figure it all out.

Thanks for your replies!! Here's a picture of the roosters: