Processing Day Support Group ~ HELP us through the Emotions PLEASE!

[ronott1]

I have noticed that my AM roosters are more aggressive in their duties to their girls. They definitely protect theri harem of girls. But are not a problem to me; I didn't raise them but bought them as youngsters.

On the other hand I have a speckled sussex rooster that is over protective at time and have many scars on my legs to witness his agressive strikes. However, among the 8 roosters I have from him, NONE are problem atic. Perhaps it is that I hand raised them. At 6 months or so of age no one is causing me any grief.

My point is, you could use the best roosters, raise up a LOT of chicks and select from the less aggressive boys.

A lot of stuff in the Boys comes from the Mom. It makes it hard to tell what you are going to get for behavior.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: As a rule I don't keep problem birds because I have kids-- and I hate being attacked.

 

[ronott1]

As a rule I don't keep problem birds because I have kids-- and I hate being attacked.

I agree about not keeping mean Cockerels. It was a reminder that you need to pay attention to the Hens for behavior too. We often focus on the boys a bit too much.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: I've never had a hen/pullet attack me--- are there tell-tale behaviors that indicate that a hen is more likely to produce more aggressive boys??

 

[ronott1]

I've never had a hen/pullet attack me--- are there tell-tale behaviors that indicate that a hen is more likely to produce more aggressive boys??

That is what makes it hard! Trap nesting and figuring out which hens produce the mean boys.

For Production and Dual purpose, you would be looking for:

Egg laying
Size and fast growing
Behavior of Cockerels
SOP stuff if breeding for that(The first two should actually help with SOP)

 

[Arielle]

Quote: Perhaps just selecting against the agressive roosters will effectively decrease the frquesncy in the gene pool for aggressiveness.

 

[IttyBiddyRedHen]

Put those aggressive roos in the crockpot! That will cure that bad trait. No chance of producing aggressive cockerels then.

I have so far not had any aggressive hens, and is it not usually, the testosterone in the boys that generates the aggression?

 

[Beekissed]

Now, now! There are no bad roosters, only bad owners!

Sound familiar?

 

[BCMaraniac]

Now, now! There are no bad roosters, only bad owners!

Sound familiar?

I guess ol' Bud didn't complete his training??

 

[Arielle]

Now, now! There are no bad roosters, only bad owners!

Sound familiar?

Just kidding, because I know you are kidding!!