I'd like your opinion on which roo(s) to keep....please

[BarkerChickens]

We have 9 roos right now and 28 hens/pullets. The hens are barred Rocks, EEs, Delawares, mottled Javas, salmon Faverolles, Welsummers, Jersey Giants and Buckeyes. Oh...and all standards (no bantams).

Of the roos, we want to keep the salmon Faverolle roo and the Jersey Giant roo. The JG roo (named Broken Toe)...well, has two toes that got injured as a chick (one partially amputated toe, the other bent funny from being broke). Hence, he runs goofy and not really quick (but walks just fine), so we aren't worried about him with the smaller birds, since they'll be much quicker than him. These two roos get along together just fine and have shown any aggression toward anyone or thing.

We are thinking of keeping one more roo. What are your thoughts?

The remaining roos are:
a Java rooster - He is alright, but the rest of that breed were MEAN and are already in the freezer, so I don't have much faith in him.

1 Delaware - He is GORGEOUS, but already chases Broken Toe and is aggressive with the girls. He has pinched me a few times, but is being taught I am top roo. I was planning on keeping him, but he is asking to be invited to dinner with his behavior.

5 Buckeyes - only one or two would I consider keeping. One is really nice and shy, but a few others are aggressive. I have read that Buckeye's are aggressive with other roos, so I am not sure if the nice ones are the exception or just being nice for now, but later.....


So...what are your thoughts?

 

[sandy sea]

I would just keep the three roosters. That is plenty for 28 hens.

 

[BarkerChickens]

But, which should be the 3rd roo?

We have only decided on two of them...the Faverolle and the Jersey Giant.

Our options are keep just the two....or keep a 3rd roo (but which?).

I wouldn't keep 4...poor hens!

 

[sandy sea]

You said one of the buckeyes was nice, keep him.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

My opinion probably will not help, but I will gladly give it anyway.

I would keep 4 for now - the two you have picked and the Delaware plus the timid Buckeye. With 1/2 of the roos gone, the remaining roos’ personalities may change as the pecking order is modified. Work hard with the Delaware during this time - be sure that if he mounts a hen when you are around, you take him off of the hen – he may change his attitude. If the Delaware goes after your JG, I would use a squirt gun – water bottle – hose – to go after the Delaware.

Then I would decide which of the four should go – if one needs to go.

 

[BarkerChickens]

Quote:
I actually like your idea! I have been using Gritsar's Rooster reform page as my guideline. He hasn't mounted any hens in front of me for days, so that is good! When he has put his hackles up and tried to bite me, I tap him on the side of the neck/face to show him I am the boss. Not hard of course, just enough to show him I am the boss. It seems to be working. He is a beautiful roo and I think he'd be good at protecting the flock, but boy does he need some reform school! But, I don't want to put my money on him if it doesn't work, so your idea is great!

 

[cmom]

Keep the friendliest one, the one you like the best.

 

[Judy]

I kept our "Broke Toe," and wish I had not. He was the largest, the dominant roo, and a gentleman. He started limping today, and when I looked closely, I realized there was a lot more deformity in that foot than just a broken or crooked toe. He does not have bumblefoot, any sort of sore, or any sign of infection. He is just suffering from his size, and the weight it puts on a deformed foot.

 

[BarkerChickens]

Quote:

Here's Broken Toes feet (at 10 weeks, but still looks the same...just bigger, more mature for his age). I think part of his gimpiness is his size. He is really tall and just a huge bird!