New Member- Rooster question

[echodecker]

Hi Everyone,

I just joined BYC but have been reading and lurking for about 18 months! You guys have given me a lot of help as I've started out with my first chickens! So thank you

So, now I have a question that I can't find the exact answer to: Do I need to get rid of one or two of my roosters?

I currently have 2 mini-flocks. The big chicks are 3 months old and the little chicks are 2 months old. 5 chickens in each flock. The little ones are all pullets, buckeyes and welsummers. The big chickens have 2 girls (lavender ameracaunas) and 3 boys (I think!), 1 lav ameracauna and 2 mixes (wheaten ameracauna and SLW).

I'm really sure that 3 roos is too many for 7 hens. Plus, the darker mix chicken and I have never been friends. So that one needs a new home for sure. The question is, can I possibly keep the other two with 7 hens or will it be really bad?

They have a 4x8 coop with a 4x8 attached run, they free range all day. The little chicks are still living in a big dog crate brooder, and they also free range. The two groups do not mix. The roosters all get along very well, but of course, no one is trying to breed yet.

I would really appreciate any help!
Thanks!

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Wow, that's a long time lurking!

Welcome and glad you joined! Hope you will get some good advice about your roos.

Here's my two cents. Get rid of the unfriendly one, but keep the other two as long as they don't fight. Usually the dominant rooster will prevent the other from mating. If your hens seemed overwhelmed by unwanted attention, pick your best, most gentlemanly roo, and get rid of the other. It's really hard to judge the temperament of a rooster until they go through the dreaded hormone change, which is why I think it's best to hang on to both so you'll have a choice. If they both turn out nice, treat the girls well, and you want two, then you're ahead of the game.

Best wishes!

 

[echodecker]

Thanks for the advice...that sounds very reasonable and is kind of what I was hoping to do. I really don't want to get rid of the lavender roo, but he isnt the boss right now. The boss roo is very good with the hens and humans (and dogs, horses, etc) so I want to keep him. Actually he was my favorite hen until he wasn't

Yeah, I like to do a lot of research before I start something. My poor husband spent the last 18 months hoping I would forget the chicken idea until I brought home a box of chicks

Thanks again!

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Thanks for the advice...that sounds very reasonable and is kind of what I was hoping to do. I really don't want to get rid of the lavender roo, but he isnt the boss right now. The boss roo is very good with the hens and humans (and dogs, horses, etc) so I want to keep him. Actually he was my favorite hen until he wasn't

Yeah, I like to do a lot of research before I start something. My poor husband spent the last 18 months hoping I would forget the chicken idea until I brought home a box of chicks

Thanks again!

I've waited for 10 years for mine!

But now that they're here, the hubby really likes them.

He gives them treats and tries to teach them tricks!

At 3 months, your boss roo is still young. Their personalities aren't really set until adulthood, so I just want to caution you about potential changes. You've probably read about this, but there are some good articles about raising roos and watching out for any unwanted aggression. Good article in the Learning Center. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

Good luck!

 

[echodecker]

Thanks, I'll read that article. Looks like I should wait a little while before I decide which roo to keep! I absolutely cannot handle an attack rooster