Integrating a cockerel into a flock of mature hens

[islandgirl82]

I did not expect to have a cuddly rooster nor was I on a mission to try to create one but all these interactions have happened very naturally. I did expect him to be obnoxious during this time of surging hormones and gaining his bearings but he's still just as calm and cool as he has been all along. He'll still come when I call him over and he'll eat from my hand and stand for a few seconds for a neck rub but his focus has most definitely shifted. He does not stand between the girls and me nor does he pay any attention when I pick one up. He does watch when one will squat for me and I run my hand from the top of her head, down her back to her tail but he doesn't do anything to give me the impression that it's bothersome to him.

I've only seen him charge directly at something the one time - that poor, innocent piece of wood - it's almost like he just felt the urge to but didn't understand what all the hype was about when he actually did it and got over it in a matter of seconds.

I was away most of the day and when I got home and was getting ready to feed, I saw him mate with one of the RSLs, both of whom have been less than welcoming to him. Like with Mairah, if I hadn't been right there to see it, I never would have known it had happened and I have no doubt these weren't the only two he managed today but the eggs will certainly let me know.

Now I'm watching him patiently waiting as the girls slowly, one by one make their way back to the coop. He's not rushing anyone in, just quietly keeping watch.

I'm so glad I had the time to bond with him as I did and I think he's made the perfect addition to my flock.

 

[speckledhen]

I did not expect to have a cuddly rooster nor was I on a mission to try to create one but all these interactions have happened very naturally. *perfect* I did expect him to be obnoxious during this time of surging hormones and gaining his bearings but he's still just as calm and cool as he has been all along. He'll still come when I call him over and he'll eat from my hand and stand for a few seconds for a neck rub but his focus has most definitely shifted. He does not stand between the girls and me nor does he pay any attention when I pick one up. He does watch when one will squat for me and I run my hand from the top of her head, down her back to her tail but he doesn't do anything to give me the impression that it's bothersome to him.

I've only seen him charge directly at something the one time - that poor, innocent piece of wood - it's almost like he just felt the urge to but didn't understand what all the hype was about when he actually did it and got over it in a matter of seconds.

I was away most of the day and when I got home and was getting ready to feed, I saw him mate with one of the RSLs, both of whom have been less than welcoming to him. Like with Mairah, if I hadn't been right there to see it, I never would have known it had happened and I have no doubt these weren't the only two he managed today but the eggs will certainly let me know.

Now I'm watching him patiently waiting as the girls slowly, one by one make their way back to the coop. He's not rushing anyone in, just quietly keeping watch.

I'm so glad I had the time to bond with him as I did and I think he's made the perfect addition to my flock.

I think you've handled him very well. And he's probably not an aggressive type anyway, thankfully. But, folks need to understand, as you do, that at a certain point, he can't be picked up and cuddled, no matter how great that feels. They need to allow a rooster to do his duty to his hens. I think he'll be a great one for you and I'm very happy to hear how he's coming along.


*yeah, no cuddling, right? I wanted to tell that to my beloved late Isaac, who would on occasion, tug at my husband's or my pants leg, asking to be picked up. This continued until close to his passing at 6 yrs 7 mos old. Gosh, I loved that rooster! I had him in my arms about 15 minutes before he passed away, taking him back to his coop when he ran up to me at the house steps during free range time. Such a high bar he set*

 

[lazy gardener]

Love hearing the roo stories, especially how Ichabod is progressing. My hubby was outdoors in the run tonight, fixing a loose trim board. He had lots of helpers. Little self blue Am has got to be among the most curious pullets I've ever met. (The Dom pullets rank right up there at the top also) She is always under foot, checking out my clothing, and picking at shoe laces. She brought an other 4 of her buddies to help hubby with that loose trim board. He came in and told me that he'd named her "Nellie", (as in Nosey Nellie) Since he's not shown much interest in the flock, I'm thinking I'll let the name stick.

 

[islandgirl82]

Those Dom hens have become my most enthusiastic garden helpers. I often have to put my work on hold until they've left the garden as they love to be ON the shovel or fork and I worry I'll sever a toe...or worse! I get back to it when they've wandered off but I swear they have this incredible radar that lets them know the second I've picked up my tools again and are right back in the midst of things.

I can't wait for Dom babies! Given how well natured both hens were to begin with and how Ichabod is turning out to be, those babies should have exceptional temperaments.

 

[islandgirl82]

Quote:
Thank you! I know I've been questioning his seemingly unusual behavior and wondering whether some of it was early warnings so I appreciate your encouragement and wisdom.

I can only hope Ichabod stays as sweet and that he has a long life here much like your Isaac was with you!

 

[aart]

Whenever I think of warning folks that 'cuddly' cockbirds are impossible......I think of @speckledhen and change my tune with many modifiers.

I am not fond of birds on my 'lap', but I know some folks love it...in fact I may give away 2 sweet Lt. Brahmas to a chicken cuddler instead of stewing them.
These birds hated to be handled as chicks, would never calm down, just kept screaming....then at 4-5 months, lo and behold, they would come right up to me and want to be picked up and stroked, or would just stand close and let me touch them all over. SMH, baffled but charmed me. They are lousy layers tho, and kind of bullies.....so they gotta go as I am very limited on space.

 

[islandgirl82]

Abso-Lutely Excellent!!

Glad to hear he cut off the holding.....am always leery about 'familiarity can breed contempt' when it comes to male livestock.
Will be so interesting to see/hear about how it all progresses.

Interesting. In my experience with livestock and equine (horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, steers, ducks and obviously chickens) I've always found the males to be far friendlier than females. Not that there was aggression from the females, but they've always just been a little more aloof except for mares. I've been bitten, kicked, stepped on and shoved around by more mares than anything... and we had stallions. I've yet to experience a broody hen, so that may or may not change but a broody would at least have valid reason. Mares are that way, well...because...mares. Roosters are the only males I've ever been leery of.

 

[islandgirl82]

Whenever I think of warning folks that 'cuddly' cockbirds are impossible......I think of @speckledhen and change my tune with many modifiers.

I am not fond of birds on my 'lap', but I know some folks love it...in fact I may give away 2 sweet Lt. Brahmas to a chicken cuddler instead of stewing them.
These birds hated to be handled as chicks, would never calm down, just kept screaming....then at 4-5 months, lo and behold, they would come right up to me and want to be picked up and stroked, or would just stand close and let me touch them all over. SMH, baffled but charmed me. They are lousy layers tho, and kind of bullies.....so they gotta go as I am very limited on space.

Those lousy layers have to try to win you over and earn their keep somehow! LOL

 

[aart]

Quote: Probably should say cock/erels instead of livestock....or mostly cock/erels...but have heard stories about other male livestock all friendly when young that turned to dominance as they matured...and a tons of stories of the friendly baby cockerels turning dominant.
I used to take care of a vacationing buddies rabbits, and chickens, and the bucks were all love and the does would love to take your finger off.

 

[speckledhen]

Whenever I think of warning folks that 'cuddly' cockbirds are impossible......I think of @speckledhen and change my tune with many modifiers.

I am not fond of birds on my 'lap', but I know some folks love it...in fact I may give away 2 sweet Lt. Brahmas to a chicken cuddler instead of stewing them.
These birds hated to be handled as chicks, would never calm down, just kept screaming....then at 4-5 months, lo and behold, they would come right up to me and want to be picked up and stroked, or would just stand close and let me touch them all over. SMH, baffled but charmed me. They are lousy layers tho, and kind of bullies.....so they gotta go as I am very limited on space.

Funny you say that. My Lt Brahma and my Buff Brahma were not super friendly as young pullets. They were okay, not skittish, but just not in-your-face with the "pick me up, pick me up" like my others had been. They became more and more friendly as time went on. Caroline, who was the most standoffish as a young pullet, now loves her crop massages and just closes her eyes and leans into mine or DH's chest. Sounds like yours had a similar change of personality, Anne.