Possessive and Controlling Roosters

[Dillychick]

Thank you all for your input. Yesterday I caught one of the offenders (Harry) and took him to our local livestock auction. Admittedly I'm sad about it but trying not to dwell. Catching Harry upset the other 2 Roosters and I couldn't catch George, who was on to me after I got Harry into a box. I caught Harry by surprise whilst he was munching on meal worms. Catching George might have been easier he weren't free ranging when I was trying to catch him (duh). I'll see how George behaves for the next two weeks without his co-conspirator around. If necessary, I'll not let him out of the coop if I plan on removing him. He sure is crowing a lot today, I wonder if he's looking for Harry?

Good news is the Hens hung out in the run all day yesterday until it was getting dark! It was nice to see them all roosting out in the fresh air. It was difficult to get the 2 roosters back in. Ralph (the old man) was slightly distrusting but George, totally mistrusting. They eventually did go in thankfully. I think the Hens are already more relaxed and not as intimidated. Gorge and Ralph are free ranging and the Hens are out enjoying the run and sun!

Thank you all for your response and support. Even if the birds are 'misbehaving', it's not easy to remove them. Reading your responses and insights are truly helpful.

Wishing you all the best, Merry Clucking Christmas

 

[Dillychick]

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.

Hi chickengeorgeto, that's not a bad idea but I'm not ready to breed chicks at this point. I think Ralph holds his own, though he doesn't or hasn't acted to keep the younger two in line with their management of the hens. It's just that Ralph used to be 'Rat Bas*ard Ralph' in his younger day, especially with me, and now I can feed him from my hand.

 

[Dillychick]

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

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[aart]

When I need to catch a bird......I do it off the roost at night and put them in a crate.

 

[Dillychick]

When I need to catch a bird......I do it off the roost at night and put them in a crate.

aart, I've heard that is when it's best to do that. Do you think it'd be okay to keep the bird in a box till later the next day? Thanks aart

 

[MissChick@dee]

I’ve had a similar situation. Had 3 roosters all grew up together. I was able to rehome the first one he was very aggressive even at 5 months. Being young and beautiful a friend snapped him up.
The two that remained were buddy’s and for the most part pleasant until..... hormones hit full swing. Around 9 months they started fighting with each other for dominance. This carried over to me and the other birds. I dispatched the more aggressive Roo. Then the docile Roo that was left did not calm down. He advanced to full on frontal attacks on everyone including humans. I did not keep him either. Bottom line I truly don’t have a need for a rooster. If I want chicks I’ll buy them. Not into hatching...yet. Lol

 

[Dillychick]

I’ve had a similar situation. Had 3 roosters all grew up together. I was able to rehome the first one he was very aggressive even at 5 months. Being young and beautiful a friend snapped him up.
The two that remained were buddy’s and for the most part pleasant until..... hormones hit full swing. Around 9 months they started fighting with each other for dominance. This carried over to me and the other birds. I dispatched the more aggressive Roo. Then the docile Roo that was left did not calm down. He advanced to full on frontal attacks on everyone including humans. I did not keep him either. Bottom line I truly don’t have a need for a rooster. If I want chicks I’ll buy them. Not into hatching...yet. Lol

Wow MissChick@dee, sounds as if those hormones can wreak havoc. I've heard tales of aggression between Roos for dominance to the extent of eyes getting poked. I guess we are hoping the two would co-exist but that may not be the case. I will definitely keep a watch out for this. Thanks MissChick@dee.

 

[aart]

aart, I've heard that is when it's best to do that. Do you think it'd be okay to keep the bird in a box till later the next day? Thanks aart

Not a box, but a wire crate with water and feed, similar to this broody set up:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...rates-a-good-tool-for-every-chickeneer.72619/