More than one rooster?

[tiffrosef]

So at this point, of the 10 chickens I have purchased, I am pretty sure two of them are roosters. Even if the other 8 end up being girls (which is a little unlikely, but I am hopeful) then I still have too roosters. Any advice on keeping everyone happy while not getting rid of either of my boys, or any more that might be boys in the future? I know having multiple roosters is a bad idea, but I feel like if I give them away on Craigslist or anything like that I am pretty much giving them a death sentence. Also I really like my boys, they are beautiful and funny.

Unfortunately free ranging them is not an option where they live, but we are building a very large coop that should be plenty of room for everyone, but I am concerned about the roosters getting along.

 

[LRH97]

Since they have been brought up together, they should get along without any death matches. You can count on some sparring and such, but that's typical male behavior. I have introduced young cockerels before maturity to adult males and everyone gets along, so I'd say that you will be ok. I wouldn't keep any more boys after these two. You don't want over-bred hens. A good number is 1 roo to every 10-12 hens.

 

[Mrs. K]

If you have small children under the age of 5, I STRONGLY recommend getting rid of the roosters. Roosters can go from sweetheart to a demon in a heartbeat, and they almost always attack a small child or a woman first. Roosters have ruined the whole chicken experience for a lot of children.

The two roosters may get along, and they may not, depends on the breed and depends on the birds involved. I think it works better to have a father/son relationship, rather than a brother/brother relationship. While it might seem heartless to get rid of some on craigslist, it might be much better than an upset flock. Not always do birds in the flock play nice. The wrong dynamics can make for a miserable flock. Roosters can be a joy, a heartache or a nightmare. Please know that today they may all get along, tomorrow they may attack a child or you, each other, or overmate the hens. You truly need to have a plan on what to do with roosters if they do not work out. Proper care and handling does not insure that roosters will be nice contrary to most animal experience.

You probably need to go in this with your hopes up, but realistically know that some or all may have to go for the good of the flock and the safety and enjoyment for you. Personally, I do not recommend keeping roosters until one has a little experience under your belt. But if you keep them you need a plan on what to do with them if it does not work out. You need to monitor them closely for aggressive behavior.

If you are building, you might build so as to be able to have separation pens/coops. Many is the time I wish I had two coop/runs.

Mrs K

 

[tiffrosef]

No kids and none that ever come visiting! So that isn't a concern of mine I have the space to build an extra smaller coop for the boys if I have to, like I said I will exhaust all options before I get rid of any of them. Has anyone out there had their roosters separated from their hens before? If yes, how did that work for you?

 

[LRH97]

No kids and none that ever come visiting! So that isn't a concern of mine

I have the space to build an extra smaller coop for the boys if I have to, like I said I will exhaust all options before I get rid of any of them. Has anyone out there had their roosters separated from their hens before? If yes, how did that work for you?

Yes, I have separated boys and girls before. However if you separate one boy, you MUST separate ALL boys together. They will be like strangers if the roos are separated from eachother, and plopping them in together after this will not be pretty. A good idea for your smaller coop could be a "bachelor pad".

 

[tiffrosef]

Yeah that was the plan, my friend has a sort of "bachelor pad" of all the roosters, and her favorite roo is in with her hens but she has three others separated and it works okay for her. I mean, she has the noisiest house ever in the mornings, but that's okay lol

 

[Going Quackers]

I keep bachelor flocks here, i've got two sets as a matter of fact. It's really a matter of preference. The one is a pair... they are housed in a cute little coop with a nice roomy pen, the other a trio live the main part of the bantam barn and free range.

The rest of my boys have girls.. most of the roos are banty but i do own one standard. Really depends on the birds and your dynamics, i swore to the earth and back i'd never, ever own a rooster and now i have? 9 lol

 

[Rhodeislandred4]

Now I was really wondering if my chickens are roosters? I have 4 years old daughter. It's scared me that rooster attack kids. Pls help to find out if my chickens are roosters or hens!Thanks!

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[donrae]

Now I was really wondering if my chickens are roosters? I have 4 years old daughter. It's scared me that rooster attack kids. Pls help to find out if my chickens are roosters or hens!Thanks!
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your link doesn't go anywhere for me

 

[LRH97]

your link doesn't go anywhere for me

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