Need some advice with first ever roosters

[Camo chicken146]

@Ridgerunner @rural mouse thanks so much for sharing this helped a lot!

 

[Camo chicken146]

@Ridgerunner @Mrs. K at what age should I start to expect some teenage trouble from them? I know each rooster is different but is there a time when I can start to expect some trouble?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

@Ridgerunner @Mrs. K at what age should I start to expect some teenage trouble from them? I know each rooster is different but is there a time when I can start to expect some trouble?

Generally between 4-8 months.

 

[Camo chicken146]

Generally between 4-8 months.

Thank you!

 

[Ridgerunner]

With mine it is usually around 4 months when I see the first signs, but I have several boys. You will only have one or two. I suspect my definition of trouble might be a bit different from your or Mrs. K's. All of mine but one are in the freezer before 6 months of age. Different circumstances.

I've seen signs of puberty by 3 months, but that is fairly rare. I'm talking about behaviors, not appearance. I typically see clear signs by four months and some are showing me nothing by the time I butcher them. I think the early maturing ones influence the behaviors of the others. How dominant your hens are will play a part in what they show. It is complicated with a lot of parts so I can't predict when you will see something or what you will see.

 

[Camo chicken146]

With mine it is usually around 4 months when I see the first signs, but I have several boys. You will only have one or two. I suspect my definition of trouble might be a bit different from your or Mrs. K's. All of mine but one are in the freezer before 6 months of age. Different circumstances.

I've seen signs of puberty by 3 months, but that is fairly rare. I'm talking about behaviors, not appearance. I typically see clear signs by four months and some are showing me nothing by the time I butcher them. I think the early maturing ones influence the behaviors of the others. How dominant your hens are will play a part in what they show. It is complicated with a lot of parts so I can't predict when you will see something or what you will see.

I agree there are definitely lots of factors, thanks for the input its very much appreciated!

 

[Mrs. K]

Really it is not your roos that you have to watch. Watch your pullets. Is the flock calm, just walking around, pecking the ground, peaceful? Or is there a lot of chasing, pullets are up on roosts, or hid out a lot of the time.

Is there tension in the flock, do they seem hyper alert? That is when I start pulling them.

Mrs K

 

[Camo chicken146]

I think it's time for a little update, so far everyone is still doing good still no trouble from either boy which is good.

I find it kinda funny the older boy will not go close the adult girls, like he won't get closer than 2 feet.

all the other youngsters including the other boy will run past the older hens when I let them out but the older cockerel (which I think I might name Daryle) will not get close and he'll stand back and wait for them to move (they kinda stand right by the door when I first let them out as the other youngsters run past lol.

I guess Daryle still remembers some hard pecks he's had lol (he's fine, not hurt)