Raising a Rooster as Part of Your Backyard Flock: Discussion Thread

[ChickenLover200]

Hi, everyone!


So, to start out, I will explain a little. I wrote this article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/raising-roosters-as-a-part-of-your-backyard-flock titled, "Raising Roosters as a Part of Your Backyard Flock".

If you haven't seen it yet, click the above provided link. A brief summary is below:


In the article, read about...

~ rooster myths,

~wrongful behavior

~proper rooster behavior

~correction of wrongful behavior


I have raised 5 roosters total as pets so far. Even though roosters are NOT required to get eggs from your hens, once you have one, you'll want another. There's nothing like the sound of a rooster crowing to know you're at home.


Anyways, if you have any questions about my article, my methods, or just want to chat about roosters, post here! I LOVE pictures, too!

What a wonderful article and thank you! Great info!
My rooster Rocky so far is being a good boy at 14 weeks. He protects the flock and does not go after me when I pick up one of his girls for inspection. If she squawks, he alerts but stays his distance. I pray that he never tries to flog me, as I will not have it.

You're welcome and thanks!

Growing up, I raised RIR/Barred White Rock Black Sex Links. Had 9 hens and 1 rooster. He was beautiful and one big, mean SOB.
He and I had "an understanding". I showed him who was boss a couple of times and he never messed with grown humans after that.

He was a fantastic rooster, good to his hens.
Hell of a guard bird, I free-ranged my flock in the country, on a short drive way with 6 others house, no fences between anyone's yards. They roamed all over the place.
He never lost a hen in 3 years. None of the neighbors dogs would come near him.

Only problem arose when at about 3 years old, he knocked down the neighbors kid, twice in one week. Kid was about 7 or 8 years old, scared the kid pretty good (turns out my rooster was a good judge of character, but that's another story). After that I we decided to send him away.

If I could have  rooster again, I darn sure would!

Out of all the 5 roos I raised, only one respected children like a pro. He is gone now, sadly. I plan to raise all my roosters to be like him. He was the best rooster so far and he was gorgeous, too.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

I love roosters....Really hoping this young chick of mine turns out to be one,hope their all pets though....

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Also,I seem to have a serious "Problem" with keeping roosters together.I now have w "New" rooster in charge that I raised from a chick.I have had 2 incidents with roosters either literally killing each other or an attempt to kill.Is my ration of hens?I got more this year,but every time I get a batch,there is usually roosters....

Any ideas?They free range all day....

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Also,I seem to have a serious "Problem" with keeping roosters together.I now have w "New" rooster in charge that I raised from a chick.I have had 2 incidents with roosters either literally killing each other or an attempt to kill.Is my ration of hens?I got more this year,but every time I get a batch,there is usually roosters....

Any ideas?They free range all day....

 

[ChickenLover200]

Also,I seem to have  a serious "Problem" with keeping roosters together.I now have w "New" rooster in charge that I raised from a chick.I have had 2 incidents with roosters either literally killing each other or an attempt to kill.Is my ration of hens?I got more this year,but every time I get a batch,there is usually roosters....

Any ideas?They free range all day....

How many hens do you have to go with the two roos? Sometimes it doesn't matter how many hens you place in the flock, you'll always have the "little guy" and the "boss". Most likely, if the "boss" is rude to the other rooster. he's going to b mean to you, too and someone will get hurt. In a case where they aren't getting along, it can be an issue of having not enough hens, but many times it is not and you'll end up having to separate them. This might be an issue for you since you said they free range, but what I did is built another coop and run specific for the rooster(or roosters if they got along). Most suggest keeping them in a pen wher they can't see the hens to fight over them (if there's more than one roo in the coop), but mine did fine either way(whether they were alone int eh coop or with "brothers"). It all depends on that single "boss" rooster's attitude. Typically, the "little guy" is the one I would remove from the flock and put in a separate coop/run, but it all has to be based on each rooster's attitud toward the girls and you. Basically, I take the meanest rooster and put him in his own coop. Hope that helps a little.

 

[bahamabanty]

It took me a few roosters to finally have one that is friendly, which means one that doesnt attack my 6 year old when they are free ranging, or attacks my ankles everytime I try to feed the flock!
The one I have now is a Copper Maran that I raised from chick, its the 5th one I raised from chicks that turned out nice.

 

[ChickenLover200]

It took me a few roosters to finally have one that is friendly, which means one that doesnt attack my 6 year old when they are free ranging, or attacks  my ankles everytime I try to feed the flock!
The one I have now is a Copper Maran that I raised from chick, its the 5th one I raised from chicks that turned out nice.

Is it just me or do barred breeds tend to be friendlier roos? A little shy, but friendly.
I think it depends on breed, too. I believe any breed can turn out friendly if raised the right way, but I think some breeds just tend to be better.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Well the supposedly dominant rooster is the only actual "Mature"guy there. The other one is 3 months old,so no serious problems yet.This is Zeuses (Our oldest) first time ever being the only roo (He attempted to kill his brother),so his brother is actually gone.He has a very "Positive" attitude towards me,never has he ever done anything close to aggressive to me,or any"Body" else....

So,I have absolutely no idea how he is gonna do when this cockerel begins acting off...

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Oh I have at least 20 something hens....

 

[Popamonian]

I purchased 10 pullets, 5 Buffs and 5 Americanas. One was unexpedically was a rooster,one of the Americanas. That was ok I figured, because the one in 9 rule was perfect. They are 14 weeks old today and "Black Jack" the Rooster just wont leave the hens alone and has started even attacking them after they go in for the night. what should I do or is there nothing I can do about nature's course except putting him in the crock pot?