Rooster is out of control.

[kWEEN_k0BRA]

Quick back story: I’ve got 6 fairly large pullets (13 weeks) and a newly added rooster (adult, not sure on age), and soon will be adding a hen (she’s about 2). We have a lot of cats and hawks, so I’ve had suggestions to get a Roo, hence why he’s here. I do not mind a crow now and again, and I think they are gorgeous.

HOWEVER.

I have only had him for a week, but this guy crows NON. STOP. Every 30-60 seconds, all day long- he only stops at night. Again, I am aware that roosters crow and it’s part of having one, but for the love of god, this has been from 5 am to about 8 pm NON STOP for a week now. I’m pulling my hair out, and I can’t imagine my neighbors are thrilled even though we have a fairly large yard for being in city limits. I’m surprised the cops haven’t shown up and fined me at this point- the station is at the end of the road. I chose him because he was the low man on the totem pole out of a previous flock kept in a fairly small run 24/7. There were 2 other roosters, with 3 hens, and 2 ducks (yikes on that ratio- no wonder he’s got some issues). One rooster was caged for pulling out all the feathers of the hens and ducks, and almost killing the #2 Roo) This Roo was described as quiet (lol) and docile (also lol) with hens but flighty with people. I was totally prepared to work with the fear of people. I’ve ordered a no crow collar, but I haven’t heard good things.

Apart from screaming all day, he also wants nothing to do with my girls. We did the separation thing for a few days, and it was fine apart from some low growls when the girls got close on occasion. Other times they would lay near, but not next, to each other in the sun (while still being separated). I let him out to free range in hopes that he was bored and would shut up. He will stay within 20-30 feet of them free-ranging, but if they get too close, he goes after them. In the run, he will do this stupid wing dance/hop/growl if they get close, and sometimes will just decide to corner one and attack it. No warning. He goes for their neck and just stretches his neck out and holds on, shaking back and forth like a dog, yanking feathers while my pullets are screaming. They’re all terrified of him and I feel so sorry for them, they run to me because he generally stays away. It comes across more as “stay away from me or I’ll kill you” vs “sexually frustrated”.

I know that my expectations were high, hoping for a good man who loved having his ladies all to himself, but would go after anyone else. I’ve read so many good things about Roos, (and also bad things). It looks like I ended up with all the bad.

I really don’t want to cull him, and I can’t imagine anyone else wanting him in their flock. The previous owners won’t take him back as they are trying to get rid of all of their birds. I’m at a loss. Any ideas on how to work with this behavior, on either the aggression or the mind numbing crowing? Keeping them separated permanently is not something I am willing to do. I’d rather just get another Roo and get rid of him one way or another if this can’t be corrected, but that is an absolute last resort. Pics of the girls and Satan incarnate included.

 

[nuthatched]

Every thing you've said are all traits (except the crowing) of a bad roo, he needs to go.

 

[Folly's place]

It sounds like he came from a poor environment, and who knows what he's thinking now. Your pullets are all too young to care about being mated, and he definitely is lacking social skills.
He might be a young idiot, or an older one, and either way, he's the wrong bird, at the wrong time. Send him off soonest, and have him separate until then.
Good roosters are out there, but not this one...
This is not the time to add an adult rooster, better to raise one nest spring, when your pullets are more mature.
And if that's your coop and run, please post more pictures, and dimensions, so you can get feedback about it. Also, your approximate location, because climate matters.
Mary

 

[kWEEN_k0BRA]

It sounds like he came from a poor environment, and who knows what he's thinking now. Your pullets are all too young to care about being mated, and he definitely is lacking social skills.
He might be a young idiot, or an older one, and either way, he's the wrong bird, at the wrong time. Send him off soonest, and have him separate until then.
Good roosters are out there, but not this one...
This is not the time to add an adult rooster, better to raise one nest spring, when your pullets are more mature.
And if that's your coop and run, please post more pictures, and dimensions, so you can get feedback about it. Also, your approximate location, because climate matters.
Mary

It’s the producer’s pride defender. I’ve attached some pics and dimensions from a website, the only difference is I’ve tarped the roof and added some perches in the run. They free range from about 6-7am to 7-9pm depending on when they choose to come in, but have access to it. Location is near Chattanooga TN.

 

[Brooks_]

Any ideas on how to work with this behavior, on either the aggression or the mind numbing crowing

 

[NanaK]

He is a fully mature male. Your pullets are younger.

It would be a much easier integration if you got a cockerel that was a couple months younger than your pullets. As they come into lay, they will teach him how to be a well mannered boy.

 

[kWEEN_k0BRA]

Thanks for the tip!

 

[Dakota8472]

Sounds like he'd make better lunch than a guardian. Glad mine don't act stupid. But I do think sometimes they crow a bit much lol.

 

[ashcons]

If you don't want to cull him, offer him free on CL and someone else will come for the chicken dinner.

 

[TinyRaptorDodos]

He definitely should go, if it was just the crowing I’d say a no-crow collar (id never use one… seems mean but if it’s THAT frequent it might be a must. So glad my roosters a silkie and has a wimpy crow )