Mother Hen or quiet Roo?

[itspebbl]

2x!
I have only had one rooster, but didn't handle him a ton and he was a pretty good rooster. But I know that MANY others have recommended the hands-off approach as the best for raising cockerels. As @sylviethecochin said, it also greatly depends on the breed and genetics of the rooster!

 

[jbtaylor1967]

Thank you all so much for the help and advice!!
(BTW--Got some more angles of (Mama) Donie.)

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

Cockerel

You may want to post pics of your other birds as well.

 

[drumstick diva]

Cockerel with big feet too

 

[jbtaylor1967]

Cockerel

You may want to post pics of your other birds as well.

I will, Crazy! TY!

 

[jbtaylor1967]

I only have new, close-up pics of three.
#1–is Cyrus, who I’m pretty sure is our only RIR-Hybrid pullet.
#2–is Oscar, another RIR-Hybrid, another boy.(crowing).
#3–is Barney, our first crower, a boy Houdan.

 

[jbtaylor1967]

Sorry! #1&2 pics are switched!

 

[Hyper_Chicken05]

Happy to help! Beware, it is best to kind of treat cockerels with a "hands-off" mentality from what I have read on the site, so that they do not think they are over you in the pecking order. Also, as they get older, they may fight, but it isn't unheard of for roosters to work together in teams, although it's rare. It may be best to consider a few more hens so that they aren't overbred (around 6 hens per rooster is a good ratio). However it is possible to have a good multiple rooster flock, so I hope it works out great for you! Sounds like you have an awesome flock growing up under your care!

Hands off???, The only reason my rooster is tame is because i handled him alot during his chickhood. I thought they need to get use to being handled so they get used to humans?.

 

[SueT]

We got 5 new chicks to add to flock this spring, and 3 were cockerels. Early on I sold one at the poultry swap, and by 4 months old the 2 remaining boys were having mad chases every day. #1 was trying to be a good leader, and #2 was trying to mate with the pullets, and the hens, all who hated him. There was chaos every day. He got sold this past weekend. There's no more drama, just happy chickens, ah peace.
I have followed BYC advice not to let my cockerel be in my personal space, to purposefully walk toward him making him move out of my way. If a chicken lightly flaps its wings, it means I respect you, and the higher-ups leave it alone. That's what you want to see. If there is any sign of this boy challenging you, immediately make him move away. You want him to accept you as the leader, and holding/babying him is not a good idea any more. There are way too many posts on BYC saying,"My sweet rooster attacked me!" Inevitably they describe how it loved to be held and would eat out of their hand....

 

[sylviethecochin]

Hands off???, The only reason my rooster is tame is because i handled him alot during his chickhood. I thought they need to get use to being handled so they get used to humans?.

From growing up on a beef farm, I can tell you that getting male animals "used to humans" can be a very bad idea if they're mean at all. (One of my cousins was nearly killed by her father's bull once.) If they're just a little bit wary of you, they'll usually stay away.

Your petting your rooster doesn't make him mean. But if he becomes mean (and many do) and he's used to you, you will usually be the first target as hormones surge.