I have zero chill - cockerel?

[Holdthechicken]

So last week, I noticed Marshmallow try to mount Sylvia. She didn't seem too interested and he kind of just slid off, but he would be about 9 weeks. Is that normal? @LaFleche @3KillerBs @BastyPutt @fluffycrow

I recently have noticed my 10 week old silkie trying to mount the pullets he’s in with. He’s much slower than them, but I do have a tiny runt with him. I’m wondering if I’m going to have to separate him, I can’t let him harass them for months before they are even laying!

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

I hate to say, but I am still on the fence about keeping him. A part of me wants him to stay; I'm also still planning to get my Australorp cockerel and I don't have the biggest, most flexible infrastructure. I believe I have a family who would still take him, along with the two ruddy green eggers, so there is a part of me that says I would be foolish not to take them up and just let them have him (so long as the point is being able to hatch chicks eventually, i.e. sustainability, not just "protection" for the girls <eyeroll emojii>), and then FOR ME, there would be less to worry about separating males and drying out time if I know I only want to hatch the Australorps' chicks, anyway. Right? So long as I still get him somewhat timely.

 

[LaFleche]

I hate to say, but I am still on the fence about keeping him. A part of me wants him to stay; I'm also still planning to get my Australorp cockerel and I don't have the biggest, most flexible infrastructure. I believe I have a family who would still take him, along with the two ruddy green eggers, so there is a part of me that says I would be foolish not to take them up and just let them have him (so long as the point is being able to hatch chicks eventually, i.e. sustainability, not just "protection" for the girls <eyeroll emojii>), and then FOR ME, there would be less to worry about separating males and drying out time if I know I only want to hatch the Australorps' chicks, anyway. Right? So long as I still get him somewhat timely.

I'd say: Go for it.

You can always get fertilized eggs of breeds you really want and with the Australorp breeding plans he just does not fit into your scenario.

 

[BastyPutt]

I recently have noticed my 10 week old silkie trying to mount the pullets he’s in with. He’s much slower than them, but I do have a tiny runt with him. I’m wondering if I’m going to have to separate him, I can’t let him harass them for months before they are even laying!

Hens are very cognizant of mating. If a hen is unsatisfied with her partner, she can actually reject the semen after the event.

Just like most living things, the learning process is a clumsy one, but it shouldn't do anything to your hens cycle unless he is overly rough, or overbreeding them. You'll know this by feathers missing from their heads or backs, or obviously things like bloody combs.

We typically don't keep roosters if they grab a hen close to the head, at the base of the comb. I prefer to see them grab lower down, on the scruff of the neck. A rough rooster can lead to a really haggered looking flock.

 

[3KillerBs]

So last week, I noticed Marshmallow try to mount Sylvia. She didn't seem too interested and he kind of just slid off, but he would be about 9 weeks. Is that normal? @LaFleche @3KillerBs @BastyPutt @fluffycrow

I haven't had one start that early, but I have heard of it.

then FOR ME, there would be less to worry about separating males and drying out time if I know I only want to hatch the Australorps' chicks, anyway. Right? So long as I still get him somewhat timely.

If he's not the rooster you want then you can feel good about sending him and some spare girls to a home where they will be valued.

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

I'd say: Go for it.

You can always get fertilized eggs of breeds you really want and with the Australorp breeding plans he just does not fit into your scenario.

Yeah, it's true. I like the guy, but he doesn't really fit into my plans, like, at all. lol I was already planning at some point soonish on getting Welsummer hatching eggs, and possibly Dominique, or else a real pretty trio... Marans I would want to be keeping a trio at least... That's already looking like quite the lineup! Then there's the Wyandottes and/or Sussexes!???... So I feel kinda bad, because at some point I would love to have my proper lil dude ranch for all the boys, but that day has not yet come...

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

And we've got our first crow!

It wasn't a full one, but it was for sure a totally clear, "Cock-a-doot!" Lol

Two days shy of 10 weeks.

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

It seems again like he was focusing more of his attention on Sylvia yesterday, too. I have seen him try a few more times, starting to grab a better hold higher up as well, and maybe get a little farther in the process. She did protest a bit, but I can't say I saw anything alarming, so that's good. I also haven't seen him attempt with any of the older hens yet, either. Which is what makes me wonder, would he be okay with another cockerel? If another male were introduced who obviously went with the bigger hens, would he be okay with that, because he has his own little flock already? I know it's really anyone's guess....

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

Marshmallow at 10.5 weeks. He is already crowing very sweetly and attempting to mount his pullets.

Pictured with Peep, his SGE pullet gf.

 

[fluffycrow]

Marshmallow at 10.5 weeks. He is already crowing very sweetly and attempting to mount his pullets.
View attachment 3565479View attachment 3565480View attachment 3565481
Pictured with Peep, his SGE pullet gf.

Omg those photos are amazing, he looks so hood against the background on the last one! He's really beautiful