New to roosters, need to learn more

[Mavrik]

I've had hens for many years, but decided to try roosters this year. First off I've read I have too many, not sure if this matters at 4.5 months old. One pullet is being attacked by both roosters and they leave the other two pullets fairly alone, but do make them scream once in a while. But all the "newbies" are afraid of the old hens, which I find funny since the roosters are so much larger than the hens. One rooster does this little side dance thing, to me, I'm afraid to ask, is this a mating dance? What other behaviors will the roosters be doing (besides mating/crowing)? I just want to recognize things that are normal rooster behaviors. Both of these roosters demand to be held, one jumps into my lap, the other 'beak scratches' me till I pick him up and seems never wanting to leave. Generally at what age do roos turn mean, if they do?

 

[maidenwolfx80]

I rather enjoy my roos, they are brave and hard headed. they like attention, on their time, and tend to have favorites as far as hens go. One roo is enough for 12 hens but if you have 2 or 3 its ok, its good to have roos to routate with your hens or even to keep all together, if you keep more than 2 roos they fight less.The sideways dance is a warning of attack. He may not have liked the shoes you had on if they were new or different pants, the way you came into the coop etc. as they grow they need practice with everything even aggression. So when he does his threat it means "hey look if you come any closer I'm gonna give you what for" if he continues to do this or starts bitting your pants or hand if you reach down its time to work on him to rid him of the aggression or cull him and move on with the other roo.

 

[Mavrik]

Interesting, the dance is a sign of aggression. What I've been doing, since he is so close, is pulling him against my leg and petting him, which he seems to like.

 

[maidenwolfx80]

That is good, it will get him to understand he cant intimidate you.