Normal Cockerel Behavior?

[Chebird]

I have a flock of 16 youngsters, two of which are confirmed roosters; both of them are EEs. The bigger one is approximately 4 months old, and his hormones are really kicking in. I have two old gals in the flock which won't have a thing to do with him. The others are all younger pullets - none of which are ready to lay. You've probably already guessed my dilemma: unwanted sexual attention. He will chase a pullet and take her down by grabbing her on the head. He has a favorite who has lost a few feathers, nothing horrible. Nobody goes near him. He sneaks in on the roost after everyone is comfortable. He's been fine with people. I am hoping he will outgrow these unwanted tendencies when the gals reach laying age. Will he, or do you think it will get worse?

 

[DobieLover]

I have a flock of 16 youngsters, two of which are confirmed roosters; both of them are EEs. The bigger one is approximately 4 months old, and his hormones are really kicking in. I have two old gals in the flock which won't have a thing to do with him. The others are all younger pullets - none of which are ready to lay. You've probably already guessed my dilemma: unwanted sexual attention. He will chase a pullet and take her down by grabbing her on the head. He has a favorite who has lost a few feathers, nothing horrible. Nobody goes near him. He sneaks in on the roost after everyone is comfortable. He's been fine with people. I am hoping he will outgrow these unwanted tendencies when the gals reach laying age. Will he, or do you think it will get worse?

Sounds normal. He will eventually outgrow it but you might want to consider isolating him from the pullets for a while to give them a break.

 

[Chickassan]

It is normal, but I do agree you should seperate at least until the pullets are close to laying.
He could end up breaking a neck forcing them.

 

[Trux]

Yup I agree x 3 Isolation would be best for your ladies. At that age the boys need their own pad as it were. Think of them as college teens on spring break

 

[Chebird]

I will have hubby create a bachelor pad. Thanks so much!

 

[sourland]

Temporary separation or integration into a flock of mature hens who will teach him manners. I would move any other cockerels along with him.

 

[aart]

Do you plan on keeping any males?
If not, get rid of them all now.

If you do want to keep one, I'd remove all but one male.
Multiple males create an environment of competition bringing out the worst behaviors in all of them. Have seen incredible and immediate calming when other males are removed.

 

[Chebird]

We are planning on keeping both males. They were raised together and so far are getting along just fine. Each one has his own group of hens. The problem with the bigger roo seems to happen mostly at dawn and dusk. I just pick him up and give him lots of unwanted loving, and his misdirected affections stop. Hubby is out-of-town. I may ask him to divide the run when he gets back if things don't calm down. Virgie (bigger roo) has actually calmed down considerately the last few days. The older girls are scolding him, and they are who is actually in charge.

 

[Shadrach]

If each has his own group of hens your in with a shout.
Having older hens is also a plus.
If you do decide to provide separate runs for each, make sure their favorite hens move with them.
This article may help.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/understanding-your-rooster.75056/

 

[aart]

We are planning on keeping both males.
They were raised together and so far are getting along just fine.

Why do you need 2?
At 4 months old, it's only just begun.