Possessive and Controlling Roosters

[Dillychick]

I have 3 Roosters and 7 Hens. Oldest Rooster, Ralph, is around 5 years old. The 2 younger ones, George and Harry are about 8 months old. The girls are 18 weeks. The 2 boys seem to not allow the hens to eat or go into the run anymore. I have to chase the 2 boys out of the coop and close the door to allow the girls to eat freely. Ralph mostly tries to keep to himself and I'm sure he wishes he had is own place. I will get all 3 Roosters out to free range so the girls can enjoy being outdoors in the run, though today when I left the boys out to free range, the 2 younger ones were very verbal and animated, making a fuss and being downright petulant, hanging by the run, seeming to yell at the hens. I'm very close to taking the 2 younger roosters to the livestock auction. Is there a chance this behavior will change when the hens mature? Any insights much appreciated.

 

[Chickassan]

Not much hope no. The younger boys are going to be driving those poor girls crazy for a long, long, time. Unless you plan on hatching babies i'd just keep old Ralph. Who knows, old Ralph might still have powder in his pistol so you could get babies anyway.

 

[sourland]

As they mature and hormonal levels increase it is likely that their behavior will worsen. I agree with @Chickassan. Take the cockerels to the auction and keep old Ralph.

 

[Dillychick]

Not much hope no. The younger boys are going to be driving those poor girls crazy for a long, long, time. Unless you plan on hatching babies i'd just keep old Ralph. Who knows, old Ralph might still have powder in his pistol so you could get babies anyway.

Hey, Thanks Chickassan, very much appreciated info and laugh!

 

[Dillychick]

As they mature and hormonal levels increase it is likely that their behavior will worsen. I agree with @Chickassan. Take the cockerels to the auction and keep old Ralph.

Thank you Sourland. I wish it were just a temporary thing but I guess not. Thanks a bunch for your response!

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Why not go the most natural route and take old Ralph and the lowest ranking one of the young cockerels to the live stock auction.

I don't have much faith in a 5 year old rooster who lets himself be intimidated by a 8 month old. I doubt that you will get many if any healthy chicks fathered by him.

 

[aart]

Which male you keep depends on your goals and desires.
But, yeah, I'd get rid of 2 of them....things will be much more peaceful.

 

[Chickassan]

My pleasure! Iv'e got a soft spot for old roosters that don't cause trouble they are really nice to have.

Hey, Thanks Chickassan, very much appreciated info and laugh!

 

[Birdinhand]

no chance that they will change, IMHO. I'd keep the favorite that gets along best with the girls and take the other two for a long walk off a short plank or send them off to auction.

 

[cmom]

Get rid of one of the young males. Keep your best if you intend to breed. Good luck and have fun...