Rehoming roosters??

[Destined2evolve]

We have an almost one year old flock of 13 hens and 2 roosters(bought as straight runs). For quite some time everything was great however, the roosters have become aggressive towards our seven-year-old and five-year-old who are now terrified to go near the coop. Also, our hens are experiencing damage to their backs and wings. I have put aprons on them but thinking it may be best for all of us (mainly my children) to just re-home at least one if not both of the roosters.
My husband is concerned about the dynamic in the flock if we rehome both of them but I am concerned with keeping even one of them for the sake of my children’s safety. Not sure if you can “train“ a rooster to be less aggressive towards kids??
This is our first round of chickens so we are not quite sure how best to handle this situation so any advice is appreciated!

 

[Poultrybonkers]

Get rid of both your hens will be more friendly without a rooster around

 

[Isadora]

What is your husband worried about as far as flock dynamics?
Plenty of people on here have all hen flocks with no boys and the hens are just fine. The only thing you would actually ever need a rooster for is egg fertilization and if you don't need that, no reason to keep them.

 

[Battlepants]

100% the roosters gotta go. If there is risk to your kids, your kids have to come first.

As far as the flock dynamics, there's really no problem to expect here other than you will have less sky-watchers when the girls are scratching. A protected run makes this a non-issue. You will probably have a hen take up the role as a kinda-rooster and boss the other ladies around and make sure everyone gets to bed on time. Other than that, no real changes to expect.

If you happen to have some fertilized eggs, you could try again with the next generation and hopefully you get a friendlier roo. Or just go without one if you aren't intending to grow your flock.

 

[Destined2evolve]

What is your husband worried about as far as flock dynamics?
Plenty of people on here have all hen flocks with no boys and the hens are just fine. The only thing you would actually ever need a rooster for is egg fertilization and if you don't need that, no reason to keep them.

I think his concern is that our flock has had two rooster for the past year and didn’t know if when you take away roosters if, I don’t know, there’s some confusion among the hens or something because what they once had is gone. I know plenty of people don’t ever have roosters but didn’t know if the dynamic shifted if you have them and then take them away.

 

[Destined2evolve]

100% the roosters gotta go. If there is risk to your kids, your kids have to come first.

As far as the flock dynamics, there's really no problem to expect here other than you will have less sky-watchers when the girls are scratching. A protected run makes this a non-issue. You will probably have a hen take up the role as a kinda-rooster and boss the other ladies around and make sure everyone gets to bed on time. Other than that, no real changes to expect.

If you happen to have some fertilized eggs, you could try again with the next generation and hopefully you get a friendlier roo. Or just go without one if you aren't intending to grow your flock.

Thank you! This was very helpful!!

 

[Isadora]

I think his concern is that our flock has had two rooster for the past year and didn’t know if when you take away roosters if, I don’t know, there’s some confusion among the hens or something because what they once had is gone. I know plenty of people don’t ever have roosters but didn’t know if the dynamic shifted if you have them and then take them away.

I see. They might notice the absence for a few days but they will work out their own pecking order in short while and it won't be an issue. Good luck!

 

[WIchickMama]

I see. They might notice the absence for a few days but they will work out their own pecking order in short while and it won't be an issue. Good luck!

and they will likely be happier as they won't be getting hurt

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

Time to make soup!

 

[Mrs. K]

Roosters have ruined the whole chicken experience for a lot of kids, get them gone.

They may discombobulated for a day or so, but more than likely they will be glad they are gone. I would imagine there is a lot of tension in the flock right now.

Mrs K