Rooster/cockerel crowing

[redinator]

I have two 14 week cockerels. They were hatched together and the sub male seems to have accepted his place in the pecking order early on, so I haven't had many fights, just a few squabbles here and there. I'm aware that may change as they get older, but for now I plan to keep both.

The more dominate male started crowing a few days ago. So far it isn't annoying, loud or persistent just occasionally. Mostly in the morning (I sleep through it, but it wakes me son up, bonus) at dusk or if the group gets too scattered. If it gets louder or more constant I may have to rehome him. The other male hasn't crowed yet.

My question is if I end up getting rid of the dominate male could the sub male start crowing? Is the the sub male not crowing because he's a sub male and doesn't want to draw attention to himself.

 

[LaFleche]

I end up getting rid of the dominate male could the sub male start crowing?

Yes, he will start as soon as the dominant one is gone.

Is the the sub male not crowing because he's a sub male and doesn't want to draw attention to himself.

Yes.

 

[redinator]

Yes, he will start as soon as the dominant one is gone.

Yes.

Good to know, since the sub male could end up crowing louder and more frequently than the current dominant male.

 

[LaFleche]

Good to know, since the sub male could end up crowing louder and more frequently than the current dominant male.

He could, but no crowing contest as there would no longer be the rival present.

 

[redinator]

He could, but no crowing contest as there would no longer be the rival present.

I just didn't want to get rid of the crower and assume the other would remain quite. If they both start crowing the louder one will have to go.

 

[Mrs. K]

Often times they will both crow in a crowing contest.

 

[redinator]

Often times they will both crow in a crowing contest.

Since those first few days the dominate male hasn't crowed again and the other never started. I'm crossing my fingers they aren't gearing up for a louder session later.

 

[Slothinc]

When I have had cockerels reach crowing age, usually the dominant one starts crowing and then the submissive does eventually - it may be a few weeks or months later. Once I had one cockerel crowing for a few weeks, and the very next day after rehoming him, the other one took over on crowing duty

 

[Ridgerunner]

My question is if I end up getting rid of the dominate male could the sub male start crowing?

Could he? Yes, it is possible.

Is the the sub male not crowing because he's a sub male and doesn't want to draw attention to himself.

Maybe. Maybe at 14 weeks he has some maturing to do. Maybe he is intimidated by the other one.

Will he start crowing as soon as the dominant one is gone?

Maybe, maybe not.

Good to know, since the sub male could end up crowing louder and more frequently than the current dominant male.

He could. Or he may not.

Often times they will both crow in a crowing contest.

Very true, often being the operative word.

Will one (or both) get into a crowing contest with another rooster 1/4 mile away?

It is possible. I've had that happen.

Any other scenario you can imagine?

Yes, it is possible.

 

[redinator]

Could he? Yes, it is possible.


Maybe. Maybe at 14 weeks he has some maturing to do. Maybe he is intimidated by the other one.

Will he start crowing as soon as the dominant one is gone?

Maybe, maybe not.


He could. Or he may not.


Very true, often being the operative word.

Will one (or both) get into a crowing contest with another rooster 1/4 mile away?

It is possible. I've had that happen.

Any other scenario you can imagine?

Yes, it is possible.

I wish I could give this two reactions . . . the other being informative