Keep pullets away from cockerels?

[CoconutCoffee]

When you have cockerels, you really do need a plan B, and often times that IS to separate them from the smaller pullets. They could easily harass the pullets enough to prevent them from eating their share. The more cockerels you have in your flock, the bigger the potential problem.

So yes, I do agree with the general idea, that cockerels and pullets often times makes for discord in the flock, and that often times separating them IS a good idea. But not the part about the orpington.

Mrs K

Yup, dealing with this now. I have two cockerels who are almost 5 months. They were mostly fine with the smaller pullets up until recently. Now I have 3 that will hide under the coop so I've separated the cockerels until their hormones are more under control (hopefully anyway). I did try them with the main flock that has similar aged pullets but bigger breeds. The wyandottes stood their ground quite easily but I'm still keeping them apart. The rooster they're in with will step in sometimes but not enough, imo. And there are no hens to help keep them in check.

 

[ColtHandorf]

Never heard of that
@ColtHandorf @Skyle

No, I've never heard anyone say this. Usually, if you're raising birds for show, you don't keep the males with the females to cut down on damaged feathers. I can imagine stress would slow growth, so it makes a bit of sense, but not enough that I'd seriously contemplate raising mine separately.