ROOSTER issues 🙃

[Shugercube]

Ok. So this guy is already listed to gthoh but in the meantime… my Sebright, Copper, is a big meanie to the newer chicks. I keep the babies separated in the run, but he is somehow managing to force his way in with them (I’m guessing since he’s smaller than the other “big birds”). I’ve caught him in there TWICE today now, happily ripping feathers off the poor unsuspecting babies.

What do I do? I cannot bring myself to cull him, but I don’t really have anywhere else to put him right now, save for a dog carrier that would maybe give him roughly 2 sqft of space inside. Should I stick him in there inside the run/coop until I’m able to get rid of him?? I don’t want him to be too cramped or anything, but I can’t have him picking on the littles! So far no blood has been drawn, but I can’t let it continue until it does. He’s sweet to people, but apparently doesn’t like the babies. It’s funny, because he’s clearly the alpha right now even though my RIR is like 3 times his size

 

[Wild Claws]

Ok. So this guy is already listed to gthoh but in the meantime… my Sebright, Copper, is a big meanie to the newer chicks. I keep the babies separated in the run, but he is somehow managing to force his way in with them (I’m guessing since he’s smaller than the other “big birds”). I’ve caught him in there TWICE today now, happily ripping feathers off the poor unsuspecting babies.

What do I do? I cannot bring myself to cull him, but I don’t really have anywhere else to put him right now, save for a dog carrier that would maybe give him roughly 2 sqft of space inside. Should I stick him in there inside the run/coop until I’m able to get rid of him?? I don’t want him to be too cramped or anything, but I can’t have him picking on the littles! So far no blood has been drawn, but I can’t let it continue until it does. He’s sweet to people, but apparently doesn’t like the babies. It’s funny, because he’s clearly the alpha right now even though my RIR is like 3 times his size

Do you know how he is getting into the chick run? If you do then you can keep him as long as he can't get into the chick run.

 

[Shugercube]

Do you know how he is getting into the chick run? If you do then you can keep him as long as he can't get into the chick run.

I don’t. It’s surrounded with chicken wire, and I haven’t caught him in the act. I don’t see any weak spots, but obviously there’s something or he wouldn’t be getting in.

I should add, I am in the process of building a second coop and run solely for the bantams, which he was going to be the only roo in there and could have his own little harem. But I’m not done enough that I’d be comfortable moving him there yet.

 

[Penpal]

I think you can be kind to the rooster, or kind to the chicks, but not both.

 

[Mrs. K]

Really there is no magic pill. You might try pin less peepers, an that might get you enough time for your longer range plans.