How to decide which Roo to keep (and which to dispatch).

[Mother of Chaos]

Haha. We have a neighbor that has multiple roosters and they crow a ton at dusk, lol. By comparison, I have the "quiet" chickens.

I've been wondering how soon I'll need to take action. Right now, the younger one runs away when the older one comes near... he even runs when some of the older hens chase him off. I'm sure that'll change as he grows.

Looks like I'll be digging out my crockpot.

It sounds like the older roo and the hens are teaching him manners, which is exactly what you want!

If you really don’t want him anyway, then that’s your right, of course, but from what you’re describing about the situation, I can’t help but think that you’re pulling the trigger a bit too soon.

Edit: cna’t splel

 

[Happy Novogens]

If you really don’t want him anyway, then that’s your right, of course, but from what you’re describing about the situation, I can’t help but think that you’re pulling the trigger a bit too soon.

Yes. That is what I'm wondering... how long is it safe to wait out. I might as well let the older Roo live as long as he can. I'm by no means in a rush to end his life. I guess I'm trying to figure out the timing. I also don't want to have to deal with 2 injured chickens.

Just because... I snapped this photo today of the cockerel with "his" gals. The others are elsewhere in the run.

 

[LaFleche]

Your older rooster is still young at almost two years old and he is well established among the hens and well behaved.

If the older male is healthy I would keep him and eat the younger one.

 

[Happy Novogens]

You do not have a 5 month old rooster. You have an immature cockerel going through puberty. This could create some turmoil if you eliminate the older rooster. It is unlikely he is mature enough to dominate all of the older hens so some of them might beat him up to keep him in line. Each chicken has its own personality and each flock has its own dynamics so I cannot guarantee you anything but I'd consider it possible it could be rough down there. He will eventually mature enough to take over and life will get peaceful when he does. Sometimes that interlude can be really peaceful, sometimes it can be pretty rough. I've had it happen both ways but I have not had any (the cockerel or the hens) be seriously injured.


I would not consider hm too old to be an efficient flock master. Each is an individual so it can vary but I'd think he probably has another two or three good years in him.


Depends on how you cook him. Coq Au Vin is how the French turn an old rooster into a gourmet meal. Chicken and Dumplings are usually how you cook an old hen but it will work for an old rooster also. Some people would pressure cook him. The crock pot could work well.

The way I cook my old roosters is to cut them up into serving pieces. I include the back, neck, gizzard, and heart as serving pieces. I put about half in the crock pot with a bit of carrot and celery, onion and garlic. I add herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme. Cover with water. I cook that on low overnight (usually around 20 hours) and strain off the liquid. I de-fat that liquid and use it as some of the best chicken broth you will ever have. Then I pick the meat and use that for tacos, chicken salad, in soup, or to make a chicken sandwich. Then do the other half of the meat.

There are lots of ways to make a really good meal out of an old rooster but if you try frying or grilling you will be greatly disappointed.


That's not a lot of room but you can try. Sometimes they fight to the death, sometimes they can reach an accommodation on how to work together. The more room they have the better. If you try, be observant and ready to intervene if you need to.


Perfectly normal. At some point the immature cockerel might not run away which could lead to a big fight.


Could is the operative word. It does not mean that it absolutely will. It is highly unlikely a hen would be hurt in a fight between them but serious injury to one of the fighters is certainly possible.

Thanks. Yes, you're right of course that he's a cockerel. For the "old" rooster, I was only concerned about his age as far as eating is concerned. He's fine as a flockmaster. Thank you for the cooking tips. 20 hours is a long time, so good to know.

As I was replying in the post just above, I am trying to work out how long I can put it off without risking an all out fight.

 

[Happy Novogens]

Your older rooster is still young at almost two years old and he is well established among the hens and well behaved.

If the older male is healthy I would keep him and eat the younger one.

Interesting perspective. For fuller context, the older rooster is a full Bielefelder, so the cockerel won't be any bigger than him as far as size goes. 3 of my 5 older hens are slowing down, so I don't know how much longer they'll be around.

On the other hand, the 6 hens/pullets (they are just beginning to lay eggs), all hang with and follow the cockerel everywhere. (They are all hatchmates.) So they seem like their own little flock. (see photo above)

I briefly wondered if I should try to set up a second run and have two separate flocks. That seems like it would be twice the work and I'd have to rotate their days out for their late afternoon free ranging. Not sure I want to do that.

EDIT: I just took a 2nd look at the photo I posted and realized one of the older hens is in the mix there, lol.
Also, the cockerel, since he was raised by me, is the most friendly of all my chickens. He allows petting and will sit on my lap (or my husband's).