Im raising my first flock of 12 Rhode Island Reds, 2 Golden Comets and 2 Easter Eggers.. Naturally, out of the hens I ordered 3 were roosters (2 RIR 1 EE). I started to research (wish i could find the link) and found this page on raising a friendly roo. I read to NEVER pick them up, it'll show a weakness let out a loud hoot when their getting rough or intimidating to you. So i just ignored the roosters when i'd give the hens attention when id go into the run to feed or what not. Get loud when they'd attack the hens... I planned on keeping one or maybe two. The EE roo started to get really mean to a few hens specifically, pinning them down by their neck onto the ground and the hens screech and were losing feathers. I was starting to get worried he'd kill them. So we culled the EE roo. THEN! 3 weeks later its happening again. I understand theres a pecking order in the flock but the aggressiveness is extremely excessive!! Soooo we cull the mean RIR roo yesterday. NOW! the last RIR roo is just as mean. Do i need to get over it?? Is there a way to make him nicer? IS THIS WHY PEOPLE DONT WANT ROOSTERS?? Now im worried theres too many hens and hes mean cause theres too many to protect (they dont free range tho check my photos for my coop/run) where did i go wrong? Thanks for your time guys
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