Roos? concerns that I am not prepared! need advice from old timers;)

[CountryChick1971]

I wanted all hens, maybe one STD (standard size) roo (if he is nice) to watch out for pastured hens....... I think I ended up with at least two roos, but they are only four weeks old. Is it too early to tell? The two suspects if you will, have much larger combs than the others, and seem a tad more aggressive... I have had to set up extra feed and water stations to make sure they don't bully the others away. I have a year old bantam roo ( and hen, Gonzo & Carmella), he is pretty calm, will he try to fight with the STD size roos if I mix them, I mean when the STD are older, I know right now he could whip their hineys! He even tries to make a go at me from time to time, but I ignore him and kinda block him and go about my business. Did have to smack down on him once, he just wouldn't give up and I had to feed the guy! Most days he is nice and even lets me pet his back and pick him up to carry him to the outside pen, but I never let him have an opportunity at my face, I think he might go for it! Am I dreaming that if I have three roos they will all get along? I have read about kids getting attacked, I have a couple of small kids, so that concerns me. Should a novice like myself even try, or should we take the roos to the auction and keep peace? Will a bantam roo look out for 16 STD hens? The bantam pair that I bought last year has been a joy, the little hen has laid wonderful eggs all winter, and they had inspired me to go for the mail order of day olds. Ordered all pullets, but then got antsy and bought some from TSC........supposedly pullets......I am thinking a couple roos snuck in?

 

[jossanne]

I have three roos with 30+ hens. One is a bantam cochin, one is a standard polish, and one is a silkie. The bantam cochin is the boss of the yard, and chases the other two off. They haven't ever dared fight him. The cochin is 1 1/2 years old, the polish is turning 2, and the silkie just turned 1 this month. They get along fine, and the only one that has ever dared to threaten us is the bantam cochin, but we love him anyway. The only one he goes after at all is our 10yo son who is over 5' tall and 120 pounds. He can handle the roo fine LOL.

All I can say is to give it a try. It does sound like you might have little roos. Are their combs red yet? Sometimes pullets combs grow quickly, but they don't turn red too early usually. If they're red, they're boys. You have pics?

 

[Farmerguy73]

If you gradually bring one more and more chickens (and roos) you should be find and you won't have to worry about your kids.