Roo “fights” 😬

[Shugercube]

My 2 oldest Roos are both the same age- Copper is a Sebright and has been crowing for over a month. Phoenix is a RIR and *just* crowed for the first time yesterday. Up until today, Copper has unquestionably been the top roo. But a few times today I’ve noticed Phoenix and Copper staring each other down, fluffing feathers, and doing the little dance. Once (that I witnessed) Copper attempted to flog Phoenix during one of their stand-offs. Phoenix has backed down every single time, and then they both go about their business.

So far that’s been the extent of things, but I’m assuming that this means now that Phoenix has finally reached maturity there’s going to be a bit of a shift. Is this behavior okay to allow, like is it just normal pecking order stuff, OR do I need to separate them like yesterday? I’ve been planning a banty coop but haven’t started working on it quite yet, so if I need to run out and get a cheap prefab just to give Copper his own area for now, that’s what I’ll do.

 

[BGcoop]

It sounds like they are both young, so you probably have some time yet before things get too serious. However I would make sure there are places for them to separate/hide from each other, and watch closely for overly aggressive behavior.

I’ve had only limited fighting between my roos and although it has gotten a little bloody a few times, they have usually eventually worked it out for themselves- however mine have always been similar in size.

 

[bobbi-j]

Sounds like your cockerels are discovering their hormones and are beginning to test each other. There is really no way to predict how things will turn out, as they are living animals. There is “typical” behavior, but they don’t all get the memo, and some will do completely opposite of what you’d expect based on prior experience. Keep an eye on them, and have a plan to separate immediately if things go sideways. I will add that once your cockerels mature, things could get ugly quite quickly.

 

[Folly's place]

So true! Some will get along, and some won't, and the change could be very sudden.
Having multiple feeders and waterers, and places to be out of sight of each other, lots of space generally, all help. And have Plan B ready!
We have always had both bantam and big roosters, who have been able to get along. Here there are multiples of feeders and waterers, spaces to be out of sight, many roosts, and some outside time.
If someone can't get along, they leave.
Mary