Rooster Help - Aggressive or Just Learning

[SegiDream]

We had a cockerel (I think he was a sapphire gem) that was a lot like that, made it close to a yr old but never got any better. Constantly harassed the girls and crowed all the time. We tried separating him etc but it didn't work. He went to freezer camp. That was one super annoying bird. Dunno if you want to hatch your own chicks in the future but that is a rooster I wouldn't want to father the next generation...

I've had much better luck with our brahma roos, more docile around us and the hens, but still alert and protective. I have a father/son duo with 14 hens and a lot of space. They mostly just give each other the evil eye and maintain their distance lol. If a hawk bothers the flock they team up though.

 

[Jasfarm]

I’m all for trying to rehabilitate a bird if appropriate. But, from all your posts here what I think I’m hearing is apprehension and hesitancy from you.

I think the easy answer is the right one. Let the EE go to a new home with a mature flock who can teach him manners.

Let the brahama, who you said has been great thus far, give it a shot. And hope he keeps acting right.

Edit - If you start having trouble with the brahama, at least it’s only one bird you have to worry about segregating. I also think chicken timeout is more effective if he doesn’t have a buddy with him.

Thank you. I feel like I have hit a learning curve and just want to do what’s best for him but the pullets.

 

[Jasfarm]

How about if he starts showing good things soon you set up 2 flocks.... just a thought.

I have 4 flocks. Thinking about a 5th... Lol what a pain but I make it work and I love my boys.

What a learning curve this is! I wouldn’t be opposed to multiple flocks, but when I read this to my partner, he was like no way! I’d love to have multiple flocks! I’ll keep you posted. Thank you again for all your support.

Kelsey

 

[jpalmatier83]

Thank you. I feel like I have hit a learning curve and just want to do what’s best for him but the pullets.

I understand entirely.

I guess the next question would be, what do you do if you do get him acting right? A flock that size is almost certainly going to have trouble with two Roos. Would you split the flock, add more hens, and keep two Roos? Or would you rehome the brahama if they start having trouble?

Edit - best of luck!

 

[Jasfarm]

We had a cockerel (I think he was a sapphire gem) that was a lot like that, made it close to a yr old but never got any better. Constantly harassed the girls and crowed all the time. We tried separating him etc but it didn't work. He went to freezer camp. That was one super annoying bird. Dunno if you want to hatch your own chicks in the future but that is a rooster I wouldn't want to father the next generation...

I've had much better luck with our brahma roos, more docile around us and the hens, but still alert and protective. I have a father/son duo with 14 hens and a lot of space. They mostly just give each other the evil eye and maintain their distance lol. If a hawk bothers the flock they team up though.

That’s the dream! I love that! That’s what I’m hoping for with them both (possibly just the Brahma now).

I ultimately would like to have my own chicks, my BO, Debbie, has already been broody 3x just this year! I’d love to let her be a mom.

 

[Jasfarm]

I understand entirely.

I guess the next question would be, what do you do if you do get him acting right? A flock that size is almost certainly going to have trouble with two Roos. Would you split the flock, add more hens, and keep two Roos? Or would you rehome the brahama if they start having trouble?

Edit - best of luck!

Great questions!

We only wanted to keep one roo with such a small flock. I know they need 10+ hens per roo, so the plan was always to see who was best and then rehome the other. I figured we had some time with the Brahma being a late maturer. He and the EE are actually quite friendly. They are cuddling together now (rainstorm here today!)

 

[Folly's place]

Remember that hatching chicks means at least 50% cockerels! This is your first experience with needing to cull someone, and you will be doing a lot of that in the future with hatching cockerels. I'd rehome or eat this guy...
Mary

 

[Tonyroo]

You should consider studying up on behavioral traits of different breeds not mixes. It will add more to your knowledge and show how you want to proceed with flock management in general.

 

[Folly's place]

There are breed tendencies relating to behavior, but individuals within each breed type can differ greatly from the norm for that breed.
Mary

 

[Jasfarm]

Remember that hatching chicks means at least 50% cockerels! This is your first experience with needing to cull someone, and you will be doing a lot of that in the future with hatching cockerels. I'd rehome or eat this guy...
Mary

Thank you, Mary. I feel like that’s easy to overlook. It’s so so different going from all hens to adding a roo. I know that we’ll get the hang of it and I appreciate your support and advice.